[Review]: Strange Journey: The Story of Rocky Horror

Tim Curry as Dr Frank-n-Furter

Intimately detailing the origin story and steady rise of one of the world’s most beloved musicals, Strange Journey: The Story of Rocky Horror is an in-depth documentary directed by Linus O’Brien, the son of the creator of The Rocky Horror Show, which aims to track its journey from conception to meteoric cult status through the voices of the people who were there including Tim Curry, Susan Sarandon, and Lou Adler, as well as celebrity mega fans like drag superstar Trixie Mattel and actor Jack Black. 

From its humble beginnings as a fringe show in the London theatre scene, The Rocky Horror Show rose to prominence, eventually birthing a cinematic adaptation with 1975’s The Rocky Horror Picture Show directed by the original theatre show’s director Jim Sharman. In this documentary, die-hard fans and newcomers to the phenomenon are treated to an insight into how the concept came about, as well as the personal story of creator O’Brien, with a particular interest in his own journey as a queer person, and how this is then reflected in not only the story of The Rocky Horror Show, but also the reaction from audiences and fans, and how the film then became a cult sensation amongst the late night movie goers and those that felt themselves on the fringe of society. 

Trixie Mattel

With its combination of pounding glam rock anthems, outrageous outfits and set design, plus its science fiction b-movie horror influences, The Rocky Horror Show is in itself the invention of mad scientist O’Brien, and Strange Journey: The Story of Rocky Horror has lovingly crafted an indepth dive into just what it is that has made the musical monster such a success.

Due to the director of the documentary having a familial and therefore close tie to the subject matter at hand, it is easy to perceive the love and care that has been afforded to not only the theatre show and film, but also to all involved, including the adoring fans who have been and still are the beating heart behind the show’s enduring legacy as one of the greatest musicals to have ever been conceived. Strange Journey: The Story of Rocky Horror is a must-see documentary for The Rocky Horror Show novices and long-time lovers alike.

5 Screams out of 5