For anyone who’s ever done the “Time Warp” again (and again and again) throughout the years, you might have a decent understanding of The Rocky Horror Picture Show, but a new documentary takes fans of the film (and its previous stage iteration) on a behind-the-scenes journey with its creator and many of its below the line talent, as well as those who starred in front of the camera, to discuss the production’s origins and provide and update to its ongoing status.

It’s an ode to the fans who have kept the fringe London production popular for more than 50 years now as it has grown to become a cultural phenomenon. This is Strange Journey: The Story of Rocky Horror.

You may recognize Richard O’Brien from his work as a British stage actor, performing in London during the early ’70s, but his big break came when he decided on a whim to write a little rock ‘n’ roll musical. Originally titled They Came from Denton High and later retitled The Rocky Horror Show, the screenplay incorporated his love for science fiction, horror and B-movies in general.

Originally premiering on a small stage with only one prop (a wooden chair) and a movie screen separating its musicians from the cast, the wickedly satirical play, a combination of high and low art which was new at the time, created an immersive atmosphere. After becoming “the rage of London,” this little theater event was brought to Los Angeles, and a film deal was soon agreed upon. But the fortunes of this rising pop-culture star would soon sink.

“It’s not a movie… it’s a way of life.”

Midnight singalongs have popularized The Rocky Horror Picture Show for years, as shown in Strange Journey. Photo Courtesy: Magenta Light Studios.

This campy, low-budget production with deliberately bad special effects was an homage to Hammer Films’ classic horrors, ultimately flopping at the box office, but would survive ever after via midnight screenings. Breaking all the rules of movie theaters, the showings slowly found an audience not through advertising but word of mouth, as each one sold out.

Fans dressed as their favorite characters with early cosplay creations, bringing in props and an audience participation that took place long before the Minecraft kids and their chicken jockeys…

So, there are b-movies and then there are those releases that don’t even quite qualify for that classification on the big-screen totem pole. The Rocky Horror Show and later The Rocky Horror Picture Show became that type of movie, allowing people to live out their dreams, which continues today.

The cult classic with an actual cult following continues to reenact that same story today as director Linus O’Brien interviews his father, Richard (who also appears as Riff Raff, a character somewhat inspired by Max Schreck’s Count Orlok), about Rocky Horror‘s place in film history, along with many of the original (and big-screen) cast members.

A film by outsiders, for outsiders, promoting confidence and self-courage, everyone involved with its creation is clearly very proud of their work, which lives on through singalongs today along with being known for supporting the growing women’s lib and sexual liberation movements.

“Films either reinforce the status quo or challenge it.”

Strange Journey is incredibly nostalgic, as many of the original cast discuss their personal journeys connected with the stage show and the feature film — just about everyone is included here with the exception of Meat Loaf (who passed away in 2022), although he is fondly remembered. Even superfans like Jack Black and Trixie Mattel are included, proving how Rocky Horror eventually became larger than a film… it was an event.

I have long had an appreciation for Rocky Horror, as I was introduced to a midnight screening during my freshman year in college. I was equally entertained by the big-screen story as the rambunctious fans repeated and responded to the dialogue, while enjoying themselves. The film, itself, has a natural innocence to it, and this documentary is definitely a celebration of its creation.

It’s no wonder Rocky Horror continues as stage productions all around the world and its film adaptation has become the longest-running theatrical release in film history, which is an incredible feat, itself, for a movie about individuality that spoke to an earlier generation that is still relevant today.

Ambiguity was the norm for Rocky Horror, and Strange Journey is no exception. Strange Journey is currently available to rent or own on Digital HD via Apple TV, Fandango at Home and Amazon Prime Video.

“Life is full of contradictions, and so is The Rocky Horror Picture Show.”