Strange Journey: The Story of Rocky Horror (2025) Review
Strange Journey: The Story of Rocky Horror (2025) Review
In this SXSW hit, the cult phenomenon of ROCKY HORROR is explored in depth like never before with an extraordinary cast of contributors.
From humble origins as a London fringe theatre play to its meteoric rise as the biggest cult film of all time, this is the definitive story of the ROCKY HORROR SHOW. With intimate access to its creator Richard O’Brien and other major players such as Tim Curry, Susan Sarandon and Lou Adler, the documentary explores what makes the play and film so singular: Its groundbreaking and transgressive themes, iconic performances and epic songs that took over popular culture.
Adding an extra personal layer to this film, STRANGE JOURNEY is directed by Linus O’Brien, son of the legendary Richard O’Brien, creator of the cult phenomenon.
The documentary features revelatory interviews from the film’s original cast including Tim Curry (CLUE, IT), Oscar winner Susan Sarandon (THELMA & LOUISE, DEAD MAN WALKING), Barry Bostwick (MEGAFORCE, SPIN CITY), Patricia Quinn (MONTY PYTHON’S THE MEANING OF LIFE, THE LORDS OF SALEM), and Nell Campbell (GREAT EXPECTATIONS, SHOCK TREATMENT).
Celebrity fans such as Jack Black (A MINECRAFT MOVIE, SCHOOL OF ROCK) and RuPaul’s Drag Race winner Trixie Mattel also appear, sharing deeply personal reflections on ROCKY HORROR’s cultural impact.
Both the stage and film versions of ROCKY HORROR hold a massive place in my heart and within seconds of STRANGE JOURNEY I was reminded why. Like the documentary’s subject matter director Linus O’Brien has produced both a positive and vibrant experience that leaves one feeling giddy and nostalgic for a time when entertainment could be subversive, transgressive, and terrific fun too.
Before watching STRANGE JOURNEY, I was aware that the original show was a fringe theatrical sensation in London back in the Seventies before transferring to Los Angeles where it became an instant smash hit. I knew too that the film version bombed upon its original release before finding a well-deserved audience on the midnight movie circuit and thus developing a cult following. STRANGE JOURNEY fleshes out what fans already know with archive footage, talking head interviews that makes the experience feel as fresh and as vibrant as if one was discovering it all for the first time. For something I love so much already I found myself loving and appreciating ROCKY HORROR more.
Strange Journey: The Story of Rocky Horror will be in UK & Irish Cinemas from 3rd October.
