Tales & Tomes

Spoiler-Free Synopsis

The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975), directed by Jim Sharman, is the definition of a cult classic—bold, bizarre, and completely unapologetic. The story follows Brad and Janet, a clean-cut couple whose car breaks down on a stormy night, leading them to the mysterious mansion of Dr. Frank-N-Furter, a “sweet transvestite from Transsexual, Transylvania.” What follows is a chaotic mix of camp, sci-fi parody, rock ’n’ roll musical numbers, and unapologetic self-expression.

While the plot itself might sound wild (and it is), Rocky Horror is more than just a movie—it’s an experience. It celebrates the weird, the wonderful, and the unapologetically queer, all wrapped up in fishnets, glitter, and electric guitar riffs.

My Review

Spoilers ahead!

This is a Fall/Halloween classic for me! There’s truly nothing else like The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Even decades after its release, it still feels fresh, rebellious, and wildly entertaining. It’s a film that doesn’t care if you “get it”, it just wants you to feel it. From the opening credits to the final number, it’s an invitation to throw off inhibitions and dive into pure theatrical chaos.

The performances are what make this movie so unforgettable. Tim Curry as Dr. Frank-N-Furter is a force of nature, charismatic, seductive, and delightfully over the top. His presence dominates every scene, making it impossible to look away. Susan Sarandon and Barry Bostwick, as Janet and Brad, play their roles with just the right blend of sincerity and camp, creating a perfect contrast to the madness around them.

Visually, the film is an explosion of color, costumes, and classic B-movie aesthetics. It thrives on exaggeration, low-budget sets, and dramatic lighting. Campy choreography also plays a role. All of these elements somehow come together to create something timeless. The music, of course, is iconic. Songs like “Time Warp” and “Sweet Transvestite” aren’t just catchy, they’ve become part of pop culture history, still performed at midnight screenings worldwide.

But what makes Rocky Horror endure isn’t just its absurdity, it’s its message. Under all the camp and glitter is a story about freedom, identity, and the power of self-expression. It’s about embracing who you are, no matter how strange or different that might be. For audiences who felt unseen or misunderstood, this film became a celebration of belonging.

Every time you watch it, you find something new to love. It could be a clever lyric or a subtle performance detail. There’s also the joy of watching a crowd yell lines back at the screen. Rocky Horror isn’t just watched, it’s lived.

My Favorite Part

It’s nearly impossible to choose just one, but if I had to, it would be Tim Curry’s performance of “Sweet Transvestite.” It’s theatrical perfection, flamboyant, magnetic, and oddly empowering. That moment encapsulates everything Rocky Horror stands for: fearless self-expression and pure, unapologetic joy.

Recommendation

If you’ve never seen The Rocky Horror Picture Show, prepare for a wild ride. It’s campy, chaotic, and absolutely iconic. Go in with an open mind and a willingness to let go of expectations—it’s not a film that fits neatly into any box.

For those who already love musicals, cult films, or queer cinema, this is essential viewing. And if you can catch a midnight screening with an audience, do it—it’s an experience that transcends the screen and becomes pure community magic.