Taboo! A Mesmerizing Historical Drama Exploring Family Secrets and Obsessive Quests!
The television landscape of 2017 was ripe with intriguing narratives, each vying for attention amidst a sea of streaming options. Amongst these gems, “Taboo,” a miniseries steeped in historical fiction and shrouded in mystery, emerged as a truly captivating experience. Created by the acclaimed duo Steven Knight and Tom Hardy, who also headlines the series, “Taboo” plunges viewers into a world of 19th-century London teeming with secrets, ambition, and dangerous alliances.
Hardy delivers a tour-de-force performance as James Keziah Delaney, a brooding adventurer returning from the African continent to claim his inheritance: a valuable trading post in Nootka Sound, a territory hotly contested by the powerful East India Trading Company. However, Delaney’s homecoming is far from serene. Haunted by a mysterious and violent past, he clashes with societal norms, embracing brutality and manipulation as tools for survival. His piercing blue eyes and scarred visage reflect a man consumed by a burning obsession – to uncover the truth behind his father’s death and secure his rightful place in the world.
Delaney navigates London’s murky underbelly, encountering colorful characters who aid or hinder his quest:
- Dr. Cornelius Rumble: Played with eccentric charm by Michael Kelly, Rumble is Delaney’s loyal confidant and physician.
- Zola: A captivating performance by Jessie Buckley, Zola is a fiercely independent woman entangled in Delaney’s web of intrigue.
The intricate plot unfolds through lavish production design, transporting viewers to the gritty streets and opulent mansions of 1800s London. “Taboo” masterfully blends historical accuracy with fictionalized accounts, blurring the lines between fact and fiction.
The series grapples with complex themes:
- Greed and ambition: Delaney’s relentless pursuit of his father’s legacy reveals the corrosive power of greed and its impact on personal relationships.
- Identity and belonging: Delaney struggles to reconcile his savage past with his newfound inheritance, questioning where he truly belongs in a society that rejects him.
“Taboo” is not for the faint of heart. Its raw depiction of violence and gritty realism might be unsettling for some viewers. Yet, it’s this unflinching approach that elevates the series to a level beyond conventional period dramas.
Here are some aspects that make “Taboo” worth watching:
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Acting: Tom Hardy delivers a mesmerizing performance, perfectly embodying Delaney’s brooding intensity and inner turmoil. | |
| Storytelling: The narrative is expertly crafted, weaving together historical events with fictional characters and storylines. | |
| Atmosphere: The series evokes a palpable sense of darkness and intrigue through its haunting score, gritty visuals, and atmospheric settings. |
“Taboo” is a thought-provoking and unforgettable television experience that delves into the depths of human nature. It’s a tale of revenge, redemption, and the enduring power of secrets, leaving viewers pondering long after the final credits roll.
If you’re seeking a historical drama with a unique twist, “Taboo” is well worth adding to your watchlist. Prepare for a captivating journey into a world where darkness reigns supreme and nothing is quite as it seems.