Chelsea Alexandra
Watching The Rocky Horror Picture Show for the first time feels like being cracked open. For every Rocky Horror fan, there is a moment in the film that opens their eyes to who they could be, who they want to be, and when the credits roll, who they will be. Rocky fans come from all walks of life and regardless of that, they all connect because of the liberation that Rocky Horror has allowed them to feel. There hasn’t been much documented over the years of how it all came to be, and now that is about to change. Strange Journey: The Story of Rocky Horror premiered Sunday at the SXSW Film and TV Festival, filling the room with an overwhelming sense of love from all walks of life, whether they were longtime devotees or newcomers to the cult phenomenon. It was a premiere that left an undeniable emotional impact.
For the first time, Rocky Horror is being celebrated through the lens of a filmmaker who holds it close to his heart. Linus O’Brien takes on the monumental task of honoring his father, Richard O’Brien, and his legendary creation. But Strange Journey isn’t just about the cultural impact of Rocky Horror—it’s a deeply personal exploration of love, legacy, and his father’s self-discovery. Richard O’Brien opens up about his own gender identity and journey, reminding us that art doesn’t just transform audiences—it can also heal the artist.
Even the most dedicated Rocky Horror fans may find new insights within this documentary. For some who may not know, Rocky Horror began as a small fringe play in London. It was an immersive theatre experience, one of a kind for its time. O’Brien’s documentary includes interviews with Director Jim Sharman, Music Director Richard Hartley, and Costume Designer Sue Blane who share their experiences from the original stage show. Original cast members of the London play, Tim Curry (Dr. Frank-N-Furter), Nell Campbell (Columbia), Patricia Quinn (Magenta), and Belinda Sinclair (Janet) alsoreflect on their roles in the film’s legacy. When mentioning the film that came out later that decade, Producers Lou Adler and John Goldstone share how they became attached to the project. Susan Sarandon (Janet) and Barry Bostwick (Brad) also give some insight into what it was like for them to film and what Rocky means to them all these years later.
Through intimate interviews and amusing anecdotes from the people who were on the stage with O’Brien in the mid/late 70s, audiences learn how this once-underground production became an enduring symbol of self-expression and rebellion against conforming to societal norms. From its opening night, Rocky Horror wanted us to not just dream it, but also be it.
Additionally, actor Jack Black and drag superstar Trixie Mattel share how Rocky Horror opened their eyes to a whole new world. While these two may be the most famous Rocky Horror fans, the documentary is sure to feature interviews with fans and shadow cast members. The shadow cast performers, including Lilias Piro (sister of legendary Rocky Horroremcee Sal Piro), take center stage, emphasizing the impact of the film’s interactive midnight screenings. One particularly moving moment comes when the two O’Brien’s sit together, reading through heartfelt messages from fans about how the song helped them through difficult times, the emotional weight of Rocky Horror’s legacy becomes undeniable. The documentary makes it clear: fans are the beating heart of Rocky’s longevity. Strange Journey makes sure the fans know they are loved. This film is a love letter—one that celebrates the devoted community who have kept Rocky Horror alive for generations.
Since its inception, Rocky Horror has given people, especially LGBTQ+ audiences, a place to belong. It created a space where gender norms were shattered, sexuality was fluid, and embracing one’s “otherness” was not only encouraged but celebrated. To paraphrase Trixie Mattel, Rocky Horror should be a relic of the past. We should be able to look back on it as a marker of how far we’ve come. And yet, as LGBTQ+ rights face relentless attacks, Rocky Horror feels more vital than ever. At its core, Rocky Horror is about liberation—liberation from societal norms, from repression, from fear. In 2025, when so many people are being told to conform, hide, or be silent. Rocky’s message is not just relevant, it is urgent. Strange Journey reminds us that Rocky Horror was never just a film. It was, and still is, a movement.
