By AMYLOUISE AHAVA
When people think of horror musicals, the first title that comes to mind is The Rocky Horror Picture Show. However, Rocky Horror is more than just a film. Its influence extends far beyond the silver screen, creating a worldwide community that continues to celebrate its eccentric charm. Premiering at SXSW, the documentary STRANGE JOURNEY: THE STORY OF ROCKY HORROR takes viewers on an intimate and personal exploration of this phenomenon. Told through the eyes of Linus O’Brien, the son of Rocky Horror creator and Riff Raff actor Richard O’Brien, the film offers a unique perspective on the legacy of this cult classic. With the help of a star-studded lineup of guests, the two O’Briens guide us through the history, evolution, and lasting impact of a film that redefined what it means to be a misfit. In the grand tradition, fans arrived at the SXSW premiere of STRANGE JOURNEY in costume, ready to sing along and participate in a cultural and cinematic ritual that stretches back half a century, proving that Rocky Horror is a way of life.
“ROCKY HORROR” creator Richard O’Brien
STRANGE JOURNEY opens with Richard O’Brien strutting through suburban New Zealand in skinny jeans and heels. His old neighborhood still refers to his childhood home as “the Rocky Horror house,” a testament to how deeply his creation has embedded itself in pop culture. Although his father created one of the most beloved cult musicals of all time, Linus O’Brien describes Rocky Horror as his father’s “office job” – a weird office job, but not something the younger O’Brien ever thought was particularly extraordinary. That changed when he began speaking to fans and realized just how much the film meant to so many people.
Immediately, viewers are treated to clips of Richard O’Brien performing Rocky Horror songs on an acoustic guitar. These moments are intercut with interviews from the original stage cast as well as some from the film version, including Tim Curry, Nell Campbell, Barry Bostwick, Susan Sarandon, Patricia Quinn, and Rocky himself, Peter Hinwood. The stories are both heartfelt and hilarious as we hear about important moments like the first time they sang “Over at the Frankenstein Place,” how audiences reacted to Tim Curry in all his Transylvanian transvestite glory, and how Sarandon was essentially tricked into auditioning.
“STRANGE JOURNEY” director Linus O’Brien with “ROCKY HORROR” fans
With a jump to the left, the film plunges into the origins of Rocky Horror – a story that starts long before midnight screenings, fishnet stockings, and toast being thrown at the screen. The documentary traces the history of Rocky Horror, beginning with O’Brien’s time in stage performances of Hair and Jesus Christ Superstar, which ultimately led him to write his own stage play, originally titled It Came from Denton High.
The documentary also features interviews with scholars such as horror expert Jeffrey Weinstock and queer studies scholar Karen Tongson, who explore how Rocky Horror became a phenomenon – long before the concept of “going viral” existed. They highlight how the film’s themes of unconventional self-expression played a crucial role in its transformation from a forgotten flop into a beloved and enduring piece of pop culture history that transcends mere campy fun. One major theme the documentary explores is how Rocky Horror has had a profound impact on gender and sexuality. For example, Curry’s Frank N. Furter taught audiences that cross-dressing can make someone the most powerful person in the room. In fact, it was through Frank, the Transylvanians, and the iconic floor show that O’Brien explored his own gender and sexuality. He reveals that art allowed him to express parts of himself that he had struggled to fully understand.
The film also examines body positivity, attraction, and identity. Drag superstar Trixie Mattel shares her experience with the musical and recalls how Rocky Horror was “really gay” but also widely embraced, helping her understand not only the LGBTQ+ community but herself. In another segment, comic actor Jack Black reflects on the film’s inclusivity and explains how the cult classic taught him that attraction is not limited to one body type. A person can be drawn to Rocky, but they can also be drawn to Eddie. The film’s celebration of all shapes, sizes, and identities was groundbreaking, and its messages of sexual liberation and self-acceptance continue to resonate.
At its core, STRANGE JOURNEY: THE STORY OF ROCKY HORROR is a love letter to the power of cult cinema, the magic of midnight screenings, and the freedom that comes with embracing who you really are. Whether you are a die-hard Rocky Horror fan or someone who enjoys a good Time Warp, this film will make you laugh, cry, and sing along. Don’t dream it… Be it!
