Strange Journey: The Story of Rocky Horror captures the magic of the cult phenomenon and explores its enduring legacy.

Strange Journey: The Story of Rocky Horror is a documentary with a lot of pressure on its shoulders. It tackles the creation, community, and enduring power of one of the most beloved musicals in the canon. The documentary benefits from filmmaker Linus O’Brien, being the son of Richard O’Brien. Richard created The Rocky Horror Picture Show and originated the role of Riff Raff. Not only is Linus able to use the fountain of knowledge that is his parent, but he manages to capture the exciting but humble origins of the juggernaut in a more intimate way than most documentarians (and fans could dream of). Strange Journey: The Story of Rocky Horror not only celebrates the elder O’Brien’s legacy but also what this work means to its diehard fans.

The documentary opens with Richard visiting a statue dedicated to him in Hamilton, New Zealand. We then learn he was a barber who fell in love with acting, took classes, and started landing roles. He found a collaborator in director Jim Sharman, and they began working on They Came from Denton High. Sharman was the one who suggested changing the name to The Rocky Horror Show. The process is described as fast and instinctive. Viewers are even treated to Richard playing some of the songs on an acoustic guitar as he jokes about forgetting how they go. The play opened in 1973 and became an instant success. It moved to the West End and eventually LA, where it continued to find its audience and gain momentum. 

Strange Journey: The Story of Rocky Horror is the best time capsule for fans of the show. We are treated to new interviews with Belinda Sinclair (one of the original Janets), Tim Curry, Barry Bostwick, Lady Patricia Quinn, and so many other faces that are part of the history of this little fringe show that could. They share stories about how they got cast, the excitement of being with the show as it grew to such heights, and how they formed their own little family. Everyone also gets to discuss how it felt to watch the film resonate with queer communities and the women’s liberation movement. They also skim the surface to share how shocking it is to see that these battles are still going on over fifty years later. 

Sure, it’s cool to know that the “Time Warp” dance came before the song. Yet, what’s more interesting is seeing all of these artists who assumed their art was speaking to a particularly rough time look at the camera with the knowledge that no one learned anything from those dark times. I cannot imagine making something in response to current societal evils and then living through four more decades of the same. Queer communities are still under attack from their governments, many of which are specifically targeting trans folks. People with ovaries are still seen as walking incubators in these patriarchal nightmares we call countries. You would think fifty years would be enough for humans to learn the meaning of humanity, but here we are.

Strange Journey: The Story of Rocky Horror covers lots of ground in its tight runtime. It even packs in archival interviews with people discovering the film during initial screenings. It was a time before the internet, so word of mouth and the need to be among others who understood the importance of a film so bold and daring ignited a fire among the youth. Soon, audience participation became part of the event, which led to shadow casts and fan clubs. The late Sal Piro was an actor who saw the movie and then took his 13-year-old sister, Lillias Piro. He was then the president of The Rocky Horror Picture Show Fan Club from 1977 until his death in 2023. Lillias shares stories of how this world gave her a glimpse into her brother’s life and how proud she was to be a part of one of the first Rocky Horror shadow casts.

The doc even connects the dots to current celebrities still influenced by the film. Brian Michael Firkus (better known as popular drag queen Trixie Mattel) explained, “That was my first awareness that when you crossdress, you become powerful. And for good or bad, you become the most important person in the room.” The reach of The Rocky Horror Picture Show is still unparalleled. There are stories of a widow playing “I’m Going Home” at her husband’s funeral and someone telling the creator it doesn’t matter what he thinks anymore because “It belongs to us.” It was also cool to see both O’Briens and friends in the cast, discussing Richard’s journey with gender ideals and expression. There is simply so much heart in this film as it successfully captures the magic of its subject.

The Rocky Horror Picture Show wasn’t just a fun and energetic reason for many of us to have a sexual awakening whenever we discovered it. It was a film that inspired the masses to live out loud and let their freak flags fly high. It continues to be a significant moment for many of us, a few generations removed, because it reminds us that our desires and identities aren’t shameful. The way society tries to snuff out our light and crush anyone who doesn’t fall in line is the actual sickness. This is one of the many messages not lost on the audiences who feel seen and celebrated by the movie. While Curry is very hot and distracting as Dr. Frank-N-Furter, the message of “don’t dream it, be it” also left a lasting mark on many of us. 

We all feel too big, too small, too loud, too timid, etc. However, this documentary reminds us that the original source material told us we are perfect just the way we are. We are as fierce and fabulous as we want to be, and the world is a better place for having each and every one of us. No one can truly feel lost or alone during those beautiful minutes they are watching The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Because the movie makes everyone feel alive and part of the show. It makes everyone feel like a star for the very reasons society and governments want to exclude them for. This is why this title has stood the test of time and inspired so many of your favorite people to do the hardest thing: live.

Strange Journey: The Story of Rocky Horror understands the source material, the people who made it, and the people it continues to inspire today. This is why this documentary works. It holds all of the themes, elements, and people in its heart while digging into the scrappy spirit that has given so many generations hope. The doc knows that the film is bigger than all of us, but that each of us plays a part in preserving the messages and attitudes for the generations after us. After all, at the rate we’re going, they will still be fighting these same battles for eternity.