It’s official! A “Rocky Horror” revival is in full swing. Currently running on Broadway, the Tony-nominated “The Rocky Horror Show” stars hot, out actor Luke Evans as Dr. Frank-N-Furter. Meanwhile, on screen, you can watch the documentary “Strange Journey: The Story of Rocky Horror” (Magenta Light), directed by Linus O’Brien, son of Richard O'Brien ( writer of “The Rocky Horror Show,” co-writer of the screenplay for “The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” and, of course, portrayer of Riff Raff on stage and screen).
As the doc begins, the elder O’Brien, a Hamilton, New Zealand native, acts like a tour guide, with stops at his historic childhood home (called “The Rocky Horror House” by the neighbors), the Riff Raff statue on the former site of the Embassy Theater, and the barber shop where he cut hair years earlier. During 1967’s summer of love, O’Brien relocated to London, where everything went from monochrome to technicolor. O’Brien blossomed there, doing theater, and making friends, including Jim Sharman, with whom he would later collaborate on the screenplay for “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.” All of these details about the queer O’Brien are presented with loving care, in the way that you might expect his son, the director, to do.
From there, we are presented with a detailed history of the groundbreaking “Rocky Horror Show” stage musical. From its sold-out, rave-review debut run to the transfer to Kings Road to working with American record producer Lou Adler (of Ode Records fame) to the show’s American debut at the Roxy in L.A.
However, a considerable swath of those watching this doc, many of whom spent countless weekends at midnight showings of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” will want to hear about the cult classic movie. They won’t be disappointed! Especially since there is a wealth of current interviews with Tim Curry (Frank-N-Furter), Susan Sarandon (Janet), Barry Bostwick (Brad), Nell Campbell aka Little Nell (Columbia), and Patricia Quinn (Magenta). Also notable is the abundance of clips featuring the “shadow cast” performing during “RHPS” screenings. Be sure to keep your eyes open for a young Michael Stipe, dressed as Frank-N-Furter, in a vintage interview with shadow cast members in Collinsville, Illinois.
Richard O’Brien, who identifies as “30% female, 70% male,” is the heart and soul of this movie. His queerness, about which he says he was “in the closet, but with the door wide open,” and “forever at war with himself,” permeates every frame. Hearing him speak about his beloved creation and the personal liberation that occurred is sure to give viewers a new (or renewed) appreciation for the phenomenon that is “Rocky Horror.” Debuting on VOD in early June 2026.
Rating: A-
