Taboo - TV Series Review

Thus, ‘Taboo’ is a historical drama that is based in the Napoleonic Era of the early 19th century in Britain. Delaney becomes a target of the East India Company and world forces by inheritance, an ailing shipping business and a strategic land. The vile threats around him make James’ task full of duplicity and deceit – ‘Taboo’ is a complex and unexplained desire on the matter of power and greed. The show has a very industrial and sort of dark feeling, which is still very suitable for the theme of the power struggle of the 19th century and family dark secrets.

While Tom Hardy playing a protagonist James Delaney is a real magnet, the man embodies the character’s tormented nature perfectly. The cast, including Jonathan Pryce and Oona Chaplin, deliver powerful performances that bolster the narratives emotional gravitas.

Directors Anders Engström and Kristoffer Nyholm craft an evocative period drama with acute attention to detail, immersing viewers in an atmospheric experience that is both menacing and mesmerizing.

The musical score of Taboo complements its dark tone, using haunting compositions to enhance the shows mysterious vibe, making each scene even more impactful.

Cinematography captures the cold, misty streets of 19th-century London with a stunning emphasis on shadow and light, reinforcing the series secretive undercurrents.

Production design meticulously recreates the Regency Era, with detailed sets and costumes that vividly bring the world of Taboo to life, enveloping viewers in its historical authenticity.

Special effects are used sparingly but effectively, enhancing the realism of the action sequences without overpowering the narratives tension.

The editing keeps the narrative tense, skillfully weaving together disparate plot threads and maintaining a relentless pace that mirrors Delaneys dangerous journey.

Taboo unfolds at a measured yet relentless pace, balancing moments of explosive drama with slower, character-driven scenes that delve into personal motives and relationships.

Dialogues in Taboo are sharp and often cryptic, reflecting the duplicitous nature of the characters’ interactions and the eras intricate socio-political webs.

While Taboo captivates with its rich narrative and stellar performances, it occasionally struggles with pacing issues that might overwhelm some viewers. There are surely several issues that could be raised: the show is dark; its plot is very obscure. It is an exciting series, which provokes audience to think through a complex pattern of relationships and determine who is a friend and who is a foe; or would-be-friend-was-turned-foe with some kind of emotional impact that stays with the audience even when the curtain falls. The history telling is highly engaging, which only becomes stronger due to the fantastic acting of Tom Hardy – ‘Taboo’ is a must-watch for those who enjoy complex plots and historical settings.