A wild journey into the origins of The Rocky Horror Picture Show, the biggest cult film of all time, its impact on popular culture and socio-political resonance to this day.
“Strange Journey: The Story of Rocky Horror” is more than a documentary about a cult classic. It’s a heartfelt celebration of the community, creativity, and liberation that “The Rocky Horror Show” stage musical and “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” movie inspired. From its scrappy beginnings as a London fringe theater production to its unexpected transformation into the world’s most enduring cult film, Linus O’Brien‘s documentary traces a story that is as unconventional as it is inspiring.
As a longtime fan who still hits up shadow casts a few times a year, this documentary made me grin from ear to ear. I reminisced, I learned a few new things, and I walked away with an even greater appreciation for this wonderfully weird phenomenon.
With intimate access to creator Richard O’Brien along with one-on-one interviews from key players Tim Curry, Susan Sarandon, Barry Bostwick, Patricia Quinn, Nell Campbell, and Lou Adler, the film dives deep into the play and movie’s origins, its roller coaster trajectory, and its eventual resurrection as a cultural institution.
It’s not just the archival footage and behind-the-scenes anecdotes that make the documentary shine, it’s the fans. Speaking with those who found themselves, their communities, and even their sense of family through “Rocky Horror” is both eye-opening and moving. The stories from fans underline what makes this phenomenon unique: it’s not just entertainment, it’s a comforting, welcoming, and safe sanctuary from daily life.
The film captures how “Rocky Horror” created spaces where people could express themselves freely, often for the first time. While unapologetically queer, it remains an inclusive celebration of individuality across gender, sexuality, and identity. It’s a space where anyone who feels like a misfit can be accepted and celebrated. With midnight screenings still thriving decades later, these acts of communal joy, ritual, and rebellion are keeping the spirit of the show alive across generations.
O’Brien himself is an absolute delight, his wit and charm anchoring the narrative. The documentary balances nostalgia with discovery, giving longtime fans plenty to relish while offering newcomers an inviting introduction. For seasoned devotees, it feels like a love letter. For first-timers, it’s a road map into a world unlike any other.
What makes “Strange Journey” so satisfying is that it doesn’t just recount the history but it captures the feeling of “Rocky Horror.” It’s celebratory, subversive, warm, and a little outrageous, just like the show itself. By the end, you’re reminded why this unlikely cult film grew into something far greater than the sum of its parts: a shared experience that made people feel seen, accepted, and free.
