REVIEW: Strange Journey - The Story of Rocky Horror | Documentary 2025
"A dazzling celebration of queerness, community, and the magic of being unapologetically yourself."
Every once in a while, a documentary doesn’t just tell a story - it celebrates a movement. Strange Journey: The Story of Rocky Horror is exactly that. Directed by Linus O’Brien, son of creator Richard O’Brien, this film is more than a history lesson; it’s a love letter to outsiders, dreamers, and anyone who’s ever found family in the weirdest of places.
The documentary beautifully charts how a scrappy stage show became a global phenomenon, but what makes it special is the emotional core. Richard O’Brien’s reflections, especially while reading letters from fans about what “I’m Going Home” meant to them - are enough to stop you in your tracks. You feel the weight of how Rocky Horror changed lives, not just entertainment.
It also captures the joy of the community: the midnight screenings, the costumes, the shouts from the audience, the sheer abandon of it all. It’s messy, loud, and unapologetically queer - and the film embraces that spirit completely. Even if you’ve heard some of the stories before, seeing them tied together with such warmth and energy is a thrill in itself.
Verdict: Strange Journey is everything you’d want in a celebration of Rocky Horror: heartfelt, joyous, moving, and unapologetically bold. A perfect tribute to a cult classic that never stopped being revolutionary.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Strange Journey: The Story of Rocky Horror will be in UK & Irish Cinemas from 3rd October. Available on DVD, Blu-ray & Digital from 20th October.
FILM DETAILS
UK Theatrical Date: 3rd October 2025
TL;DR: A London theatre play evolves into a ground-breaking cult phenomenon, featuring iconic songs and performances that celebrate individuality. The legacy lives on through midnight screenings and a devoted following that spans generations.
Director: Linus O'Brien
Cast: Richard O'Brien, Tim Curry, Lou Adler, Susan Sarandon, Jack Black, Barry Bostwick, Richard Hartley, Jim Sharman, Trixie Mattel, Nell Campbell
Genres: Documentary
Run time: 89 Minutes
Cert: 15
