By 1980, the industry was shifting from the narrative-driven "porno chic" of Deep Throat (1972) to a more raw, subversive style. This was the era of the "Taboo" series—a franchise known not for glamour, but for pushing the boundaries of social transgression. The original Taboo (1980) had just shocked audiences with its controversial family dynamics. Unsurprisingly, a sequel was rushed into production the same year.

To understand Taboo , one must understand the era in which it was born. The late 1970s and early 1980s are now reckoned as the . This was a brief window where feature-length, narrative-driven adult films were shown in mainstream movie theaters across America. Films like Deep Throat (1972) and The Devil in Miss Jones (1973) had broken ground, but by 1980, the industry was searching for its next big shock to keep audiences interested.

If you search for Taboo (1980) on IMDb, scroll down to the "Connections" or "Follows" section. You will see links to Taboo II (1982) and subsequent sequels.

If you scroll through the user reviews on IMDb today, you will see a mix of nostalgia, analysis, and moral judgment. The current rating reflects a split audience—some scoring it low on moral grounds, others scoring it high on historical significance.

The film's success can be attributed to a powerful alchemy:

: The film's success in the early 1980s marked a moment where independent adult-oriented dramas began to receive more attention regarding their production standards and narrative ambitions.

IMDb tracks the film’s massive legacy, including its numerous sequels (the Taboo franchise eventually spanned over two dozen installments) and its influence on how subsequent adult films approached narrative storytelling. Why Taboo Matters Today

Plays the son whose mutual interest in his mother drives the central "taboo" of the story.