The youngsters Matahi and Reri are in love with each other. The old warrior Hitu announces that Reri is to be the new chosen virgin for the gods. This means she must stay untouched, otherwise she and her lover will be killed. But Matahi abducts and escapes with her to an island ruled by the white man, where their gods would be harmless and powerless. Tabu is the last film from director F.W. Murnau; he died before the film’s premiere in a car accident.
The film opens with a scene involving naked women swimming. Nudity is visible, though not dwelt on.
Several naked children are shown in naturalistic scenes.
There are numerous instances of topless women dancing. These include unbroken shots lasting as long as 30 seconds.
