Taboo VII shifted away from the taboo-shattering, darker incestuous themes of the original 1980 film. It adapted to late-80s consumer tastes by prioritizing glamour, relationship dynamics, and a distinct aesthetic. Aesthetics and Style
The film features several prominent stars of the 1980s adult industry:
In 1989, adult critic gave the film zero stars in Screw magazine, calling it “pretentious, muddy, and miserably lit.” However, Adult Video News gave it 4.5 stars, praising “Horner’s best dramatic performance since Amanda by Night .”
: It is considered one of the more obscure entries in the series because it failed to deliver the "incest rubric" that fans of the franchise expected.
The core of the story takes place six years prior at the , a secluded retreat described as a place "somewhere between the Wild and the Innocent side of human sensuality". At Whitestone, artists and students are encouraged to explore their "awakening talents" in an open environment. Ben serves as the poet-in-residence, intended to provide a sophisticated counterpoint to Lenny (Herschel Savage), a crude Beat-style poet who frequently irritates the other residents. Key Characters and Performances
The film operates on an unusual structural gimmick, unfolding mostly as a prolonged flashback.
The during the late 1980s
Taboo VII stands as a fascinating artifact of this transitional era. It reflects both the high-concept dramatic aspirations of 1980s adult cinema and the rapidly evolving production styles of the late video era. The Plot: A Study in Contrasts
Taboo VII: The Wild and the Innocent tells the story of a complex and often tumultuous relationship between two main characters. The plot revolves around themes of love, lust, and the exploration of unconventional relationships. Given its adult nature, the film does not shy away from explicit content, aiming to present a candid portrayal of human desire.
The film explores themes of sexual awakening and forbidden desires. The story centers around a young, naive woman named Valerie (played by Victoria Paris) who is initiated into a world of sexual experiences by her more experienced and adventurous cousin, Sharon (played by Sharon Kane). As Valerie sheds her innocence, she explores various encounters that challenge her boundaries, moving from her "wild" cousin's influence into her own sexual agency. The film is a classic example of late-80s adult cinema, bridging the gap between the "golden age" narrative style and the emerging "video age" aesthetics.
Searching for likely leads you down a rabbit hole of dead links and forum threads from 2004. But the film exists—a strange, sweaty, sincere attempt to make high art out of low material. It fails at every level of traditional filmmaking. And yet, for students of transgressive cinema, it is a perfect time capsule.