Strange Journey: The Story of Rocky Horror

This year (2025 just to clarify) marks the 50th anniversary of the release of the independent musical comedy horror picture The Rocky Horror Picture Show and this 90-minute-long documentary aims to commemorate this legendary film's birthday. The writer of this review would like to take this opportunity to add that coincidently, today, the day that this review is being written (26 September 2025) marks exactly 50 years since this feature was released in the United States.

Just a quick description of the plot, for those who are unfamiliar with this film: the story is about a recently enganged young couple (played by Sarandon and Bostwick) whose car brakes down while they are travelling in the countryside during a rainy night and the take refuge in the castle of Dr. Frank-N-Furter (Curry), a transvestite scientist who is also an alien.

Through interviews, old photographs and archival footage, this documentary, which was directed by Linus O'Brien (who is the son of Richard O'Brien) and written by Avner Shiloah, takes the viewer on an informative and exciting journey to discover this film's background, how it all began, who was involved and how things progressed over the course of half a century.

The numerous interviewees primarily consist of people who were involved in the production, some of which are members of the cast, including Tim Curry, Susan Sarandon, Barry Bostwick and Richard O'Brien, who also wrote the musical stage show The Rocky Horror Show and co-wrote The Rocky Horror Picture Show feature. Some of the crew members include Jim Sharman, the film's director and Sue Blane, the costume designer. These individuals (and others) share their experiences in bringing this project to life, building a detailed account of the events that led to the creation of the feature (and the play) and the story is quite fascinating.

The documentary begins with Richard O'Brien's background (since he wrote the play) and he gets significant attention throughout as he reveals his music skills and his personal struggles. The part about the late legendary singer and actor Meat Loaf is a highlight and the addition of Hollywood actor Jack Black is a big plus.

The impact that this documentary had (and continues to have) on people is evident. There is plenty of footage of everyday individuals enthusiastically explaining how watching this musical has affected their lives, motivating them to embark into their own personal journeys of self-discovery and self-expression.

Viewing this documentary is a fantastic way to celebrate fifty years of The Rocky Horror Picture Show, a feature thar currently holds the record for the longest running theatrical release in film history. And it is being released near Halloween, which makes things even better.

Strange Journey: The Story of Rocky Horror will be in UK & Irish Cinemas from 3rd October, and on DVD, Blu-Ray and Digital 20th October.