Taboo

Taboo is a period drama that takes you back to 1814, chronically the intricate machinations of James Keziah Delaney (Tom Hardy), a man thought dead who mysteriously returns to London. The enigma of Delaney, who's fresh off an extended stint in Africa, grips you as you follow him reclaim his late father's shipping empire and deal with numerous enemies in a corrupt and suffering society.

Tom Hardy, who's also the show's co-creator, delivers a riveting performance, embodying Delaney's intense, brooding persona with not just words but with his eyes and demeanor. The script, penned by Hardy and his father, dives deep into the heart of colonial brutality, the struggle for power in murky economical trading, and the slow bloom of supernatural themes. Another highlight is the cinematography, slipping in and out of bleak gray London skylines and vivid hallucinations.

Despite the strong performances and distinctive visual style, Taboo occasionally gets bogged down in its own complexity, the ambiguity sometimes tipping to obscurity. But for those who enjoy a layered, slow-burning narrative, punctuated by powerful lead performances and a peek into historical conflicts, this one's worth the watch.