On Tuesday, “Strange Journey: The Story of Rocky Horror” arrives to rent or own on digital platforms, including Prime Video, Apple TV, and Fandango at Home. Directed by Linus O’Brien—son of “Rocky Horror” creator Richard O’Brien—the documentary explores the unlikely 50-year trajectory of the property, from its humble beginnings as a fringe stage performance to the midnight screenings and shadow casts that still thrive today.
The film is a perfect blend of archival footage and all-new interviews with the creators and stars who brought “Rocky Horror” to life, both behind and in front of the camera. Perhaps the most endearing aspect of “Strange Journey” is the sheer number of original names O’Brien secured. In addition to his father, he speaks with nearly every major player involved in the stage production and film, including director Jim Sharman, producer Lou Adler, musical director Richard Hartley, costumer Sue Blane, and stars Tim Curry, Susan Sarandon, Barry Bostwick, Patricia Quinn, and Nell Campbell.
Clocking in at a tight 90 minutes, O’Brien hits every beat of this five-decade history, charting Richard O’Brien’s arrival in London and the theatrical sparks that birthed the show, all the way to the late-night screenings and fan participation that cemented it as the ultimate cult phenomenon. Beneath the history, the film is beautifully wrapped in a narrative of acceptance, inclusion, and the property’s profound impact on the LGBTQ+ community, with Richard O’Brien sharing his own stories about his sexuality and how they contributed to the creation of the character Dr. Frank N. Furter.
“Strange Journey: The Story of Rocky Horror” is an absolute must-watch for fans. It isn’t just an insightful look behind the curtain of the stage show and movie; it’s a heartfelt exploration of what the phenomenon means to its community. O’Brien was inspired to make the documentary after fans shared how deeply the song “I’m Going Home” impacted them personally, which he shares with his father in the film. That emotional connection serves as the film’s beating heart.
My only real critique is that I simply wanted more. While the 90-minute runtime is incredibly well-paced, covering five decades of history with this many legendary interviewees left me greedily wishing for an extended cut by the time the credits rolled. There is undoubtedly plenty of footage left on the cutting room floor, though O’Brien may have rightfully felt that diving deeper would be venturing into well-trodden ground.
