While Taboo 1 is the critical darling, it spawned multiple sequels. However, note that the IMDb page for the 1980 film is distinct from Taboo 2 (1982) or Taboo 3 (1984). Many novice viewers mistakenly mix up the entries.
According to the official IMDb listing , the film stars as Barbara Scott, a woman grappling with sexual frustration and emotional isolation after her husband leaves her.
Oscar Kennedy, Lianne Stride, Sylvia Marriott
The tension eventually culminates in an explicit encounter between mother and son that challenges societal norms, a plot point that gave the film its title and notorious reputation. Main Cast and Production Taboo 1 1980 Imdb
The original Taboo is unique because it refuses a happy ending. The final scene—where Barbara and Paul realize the relationship cannot survive reality—is devastating. Later sequels turned the premise into camp, but the 1980 original retains a grim, kitchen-sink realism.
1980
One of the most intriguing aspects of Taboo is the story of its lead actor, Oscar Kennedy. A relative newcomer at the time, Kennedy's performance in Taboo was met with both praise and criticism. Despite his involvement in the film, Kennedy's career trajectory was marked by a series of unusual choices, and he eventually disappeared from the public eye. The enigmatic Kennedy has become a fascinating footnote in the film's history, with IMDB users often debating his merits as an actor. While Taboo 1 is the critical darling, it
On the page, user reviews consistently praise Parker’s naturalism. One common sentiment found in the user comment section reads: "She isn't just acting—she is embodying a lonely parent. It's terrifying and erotic at the same time."
J. Lee Thompson
Drama
IMDb (the Internet Movie Database) maintains a strict policy regarding adult content. In the early 2000s, the site aggressively purged many hardcore titles, relegating them to a separate subsidiary database (IMDb Adult). However, Taboo 1 survived on the main site.
The story follows (Parker), a woman grappling with sexual frustration after being left by her husband. While she initially resists the advances of men she meets, she begins to develop an unexpected and mutual attraction toward her son, Paul . The narrative explores her internal conflict, social pressure from sexually liberated friends, and the ultimate crossing of that societal boundary. Legacy and Critical Reception