DocEdge Film Festival 2025 – ‘Strange Journey: The Story of Rocky Horror’ – Review
When it comes to boundary-pushing, genre-defying, pop culture icons, there’s one name that’s always been in a delicious league of its own: Rocky Horror. And in Strange Journey: The Story of Rocky Horror, audiences are treated to a glitter-splashed, heart-swelling deep dive into the man, the myth, and the midnight madness behind it all: Richard O’Brien. Directed by O’Brien’s son, Linus O’Brien, this new 2025 documentary is a triumphant celebration of family, freakiness, and the sheer electric power of living creatively and unapologetically.
From humble origins as a London fringe theatre play to its meteoric rise, fall and resurrection as the biggest cult film of all time, this is the definitive story of the Rocky Horror Show. With intimate access to its creator Richard O’Brien and other major players such as Tim Curry, Susan Sarandon, and Lou Adler, the film explores what makes the play and film so singular.
Its groundbreaking and transgressive themes, iconic performances and epic songs took over popular culture. The cult phenomenon that sprung around it is unparalleled, and created not only the midnight screenings which continue to this day, but also a safe haven for those who ever felt different or marginalised.
From the get-go, Strange Journey pulls you into an intoxicating swirl of punk theatre, campy cinema, and personal history. Acting as a kind of live-action time capsule, Linus O’Brien unspools the incredible journey of his father’s life and legacy, capturing how The Rocky Horror Show went from an offbeat stage experiment in a small London theatre to a global phenomenon with an eternal midnight heartbeat. It’s wild. It’s weird. And it’s downright wonderful.
Packed with never-before-seen footage and deeply personal interviews, Strange Journey is a heady cocktail of archival gold and raw emotional resonance. We hear directly from Richard O’Brien himself—still sharp, eccentric and heartfelt as ever—as he opens the vault of memory and recounts the lightning bolt of inspiration that birthed Rocky Horror. Joined by beloved cast members Tim Curry, Susan Sarandon, Barry Bostwick, and the visionary director Jim Sharman, the documentary brings together the original dreamers who helped give life to a cultural monster that refused to die. And we are so here for it.
The documentary explores the many facets of O’Brien’s creative DNA: actor, singer, composer, writer, producer, and unapologetic radical. From the very first strum of his guitar to the unrelenting drive to push the boundaries of taste and convention, O’Brien’s work shines as a beacon for anyone who’s ever felt like an outsider. His radical, gender-bending, genre-breaking energy pulsates through the film, as we witness how The Rocky Horror Show exploded onto the stage in a glorious mess of glitter, fishnets, and rebellious rock ‘n’ roll spirit.
But what makes Strange Journey truly exceptional is its emotional core. Linus O’Brien doesn’t just capture the story of a legendary show: he captures the soul of a father. Through interviews and behind-the-scenes moments, there’s a profound tenderness that bleeds through the celluloid. Watching Richard O’Brien reflect on his journey with his son by his side is immensely moving. And when the documentary’s climax arrives with O’Brien near tears as he acknowledges the legacy his work has had on generations of fans, the emotional impact is staggering.
Strange Journey also takes time to shine a well-deserved spotlight on the fans. From 1970s theatre kids and queer punks to modern-day Gen Z TikTokers, the film explores how Rocky Horror became a sanctuary, a place where outsiders became insiders, and self-expression reigned supreme. It’s a beautiful testament to the show’s enduring impact on LGBTQ+ communities and all those who found joy, identity, and belonging in its wild world. Linus O’Brien captures this passion with sincerity and energy, showing that this is more than a musical; it’s a movement.
By the time the final credits roll, Strange Journey leaves its mark not just as a stellar documentary but as a legacy piece. It’s a son’s love letter to his father. It’s a celebration of radical art. It’s a groovy, glitter-soaked reminder that being different isn’t just okay, it’s glorious.
So lace up those corsets, do the Time Warp again, and prepare to be touched in ways you didn’t expect. Strange Journey: The Story of Rocky Horror is a joyous, heartfelt, and utterly essential experience that proves creativity can change the world — one freaky beat at a time.
Image: DocEdge
