Tabu Poster

Tabu 2012

★ 7.0175 votes120 min📅 2012-04-05

"Aurora had a farm in Africa, at the foot of Mount Tabu…"

Miguel Gomes' *Tabu (2012)* weaves a haunting dual narrative set in Lisbon, where the present-day struggles of a devout woman named Pilar intersect with the enigmatic past of her troubled neighbor, Aurora.

Director: Miguel Gomes

Cast

Teresa Madruga
Teresa Madruga
Pilar
Laura Soveral
Laura Soveral
Aurora
Ana Moreira
Ana Moreira
Young Aurora
Henrique Espírito Santo
Henrique Espírito Santo
Gian Luca Ventura
Carloto Cotta
Carloto Cotta
Young Gian Luca Ventura
Isabel Cardoso
Isabel Cardoso
Santa
Ivo Müller
Ivo Müller
Aurora's Husband
Manuel Mesquita
Mário
Telmo Churro
Telmo Churro
Intrepid Explorer
Miguel Gomes
Miguel Gomes
Narrator (voice)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Tabu (2012) about?

This atmospheric drama follows Pilar, a kind-hearted woman who befriends her troubled neighbor Aurora, only to uncover a shadowy past tied to a distant African farm. As Aurora's secrets unravel, the film contrasts Lisbon's present with a lost love story steeped in mystery and regret.

Who directed Tabu?

Tabu was directed by Miguel Gomes, the Portuguese filmmaker known for his visually poetic and unconventional storytelling style.

Who stars in Tabu?

The film features standout performances from Teresa Madruga as Pilar, Laura Soveral as Aurora, and Ana Moreira, with support from Henrique Espírito Santo and Carloto Cotta.

Is Tabu (2012) worth watching?

If you appreciate arthouse dramas with rich visuals and deep emotional layers, *Tabu (2012)* is a must-see. Miguel Gomes crafts a hypnotic story that rewards patience with its meditative pace and evocative imagery.

How long is Tabu?

Tabu has a runtime of 120 minutes, offering a deeply immersive experience that balances quiet realism with fleeting dreamlike sequences.

🎥 Trailer

About Tabu (2012) — A haunting tale of memory, love, and secrets from director Miguel Gomes

Miguel Gomes' *Tabu (2012)* weaves a haunting dual narrative set in Lisbon, where the present-day struggles of a devout woman named Pilar intersect with the enigmatic past of her troubled neighbor, Aurora. Aurora, a fiercely independent and secretive elder, harbors a tormented history tied to a distant African farm beneath the shadow of Mount Tabu—a place where passion and tragedy once unfolded. As Pilar delves into Aurora's past, she uncovers secrets that blur the line between reality and memory, revealing a life shaped by forbidden love and irreparable loss. The film blends stark realism with dreamlike sequences, creating an atmosphere of melancholy and introspection that lingers long after the credits roll.

Gomes' masterful direction transforms *Tabu (2012)* into a meditation on nostalgia, fate, and the indelible marks left by our choices. The lush visuals and understated performances—particularly from Teresa Madruga as Pilar and Laura Soveral as the enigmatic Aurora—capture the quiet devastation of lives lived in quiet desperation. With its slow-burn pacing and poetic storytelling, this Portuguese drama challenges viewers to reflect on the weight of the past and its invisible threads connecting us all.