Kaleidoscope Entertainment releases Strange Journey: The Story of Rocky Horror in UK Cinemas from October 3, 2025.
Synopsis
A London theatre play evolves into a groundbreaking cult phenomenon, featuring iconic songs and performances that celebrate individuality. The legacy lives on through midnight screenings and a devoted following that spans generations.
Review
The Rocky Horror Picture Show is a musical that has truly stood the test of time, thanks to its cult status and devoted fans. The boisterous brainchild of Richard O’Brien, which continues to entertain audiences 50 years later, now takes on a whole new form due to its following over time and is what his son, Linus, looks to explore with this new documentary, Strange Journey: The Story of Rocky Horror.
From a Rocky Horror fan’s perspective, this documentary does a lot very well. It nicely follows the evolution of the musical from the very start. Everything from Richard O’Brien’s upbringing to how the show began as a small production, to the struggles they faced making the film and the underwhelming reception it received upon its release. The documentary does a great job of retelling this story as thoroughly as possible while keeping everything as concise as it can within a 90-minute runtime.
Having Linus O’Brien at the helm also allows for a level of emotion and intimacy to the subject matter that other documentaries may lack. He is able to elicit genuine and honest reactions not just from his dad, but also from the cast of the original film. The likes of Tim Curry, Patricia Quinn, Susan Sarandon and Barry Bostwick don’t hold back when reciting their experiences during the intense production of the feature film, whether that be because of the studios they shot at, the limited schedule or the small budget that director Jim Sharman had to work with.
When focusing on the film’s lasting impact, Linus makes the simple but clever decision to interview celebrities who were greatly influenced by Rocky Horror in some way, going into their careers, such as Jack Black and Trixie Mattel. These, paired with the many accounts of midnight screenings which gave the film its cult status, emphasise the evolution it has taken on and how fans treat the film as a way to truly be themselves.
This element is even reflected by the original cast members, who comment on how it has changed and taken on a new lease of life. Richard O’Brien himself even recollects at one point about the time someone asked him, “How does it feel now Rocky Horror isn’t yours anymore?” only for Richard to realise in that moment that his creative baby has been embraced by a new generation and is with the fans now.
It’s these rare insights that make this documentary a treasure trove for longtime fans, greatly adding an emotional and personal resonance to the musical’s past. There is even a moment where Patricia Quinn comments on how Rocky Horror has sort of come full circle, as the original iteration of the stage show saw the cast perform in front of a blank screen, which, in many ways, mimics how shadow casts nowadays re-enact scenes in front of the cinema screen which plays the film. It’s parallels such as these that one doesn’t think about until you look at the show’s full history.
Strange Journey: The Story of Rocky Horror is the perfect documentary for fans old and new. It beautifully highlights the impact the musical and movie have had on people over the years, whilst delving into the fascinating history of the stage show and how it came to fruition in the first place.
Verdict
Strange Journey: The Story of Rocky Horror is a poignant and emotional look into the origins, success, and legacy of a musical that became a cult phenomenon.
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