Tribeca Review: Time Warp Celebrates Queer Joy with a Fresh Perspective on the Rocky Horror Picture Show

      The Rocky Horror Picture Show can be characterized in numerous ways. Throughout the past fifty years, it has transformed from a mere cult classic into a significant cultural emblem for many across the nation, with spontaneous midnight screenings that fill theaters to capacity. In New York, a Broadway adaptation of Rocky Horror continues to thrive, while numerous shadow casts deliver performances year-round. It embodies and celebrates queer joy, community, tradition, and entertainment.

      Allison Berg’s documentary, Time Warp, journeys into small-town America to explore how these communities engage with the iconic film. Berg travels to Rock Springs, Wyoming, to follow the director, choreographer, operator, and lead performer of a drag theater group. Kenny Starling, a 25-year-old queer individual from Rock Springs, has chosen to stage a production in his tough-minded community. This documentary seeks to capture that essence of queer joy, highlighting the limited avenues for self-expression in this locale.

      Starling enlists local teens, a city council member, and anyone interested in participating in his show. He embraces them and fosters a sense of family. Berg spends time with almost every resident involved in the shadow cast, visiting their homes, schools, and workplaces. A common theme begins to emerge: they all desire a space where they can be their true selves.

      Many of them, particularly the younger performers, lack comprehensive support systems. At best, their families are uncertain; at worst, they misgender them, alienate them, and reject their lifestyles. However, Berg sets aside her camera to converse with each individual in Time Warp, regardless of their beliefs or identities. Her voice guides the film, encouraging Rock Springs’ residents to share their stories.

      Two specific moments stand out. First, Berg captures a local city council meeting where residents discuss the Starlings' production of The Rocky Horror Picture Show. This scene offers insight into Rock Springs and similar towns in America and illustrates how these individuals navigate conflict within their communities. It reveals how the political right leverages gender expression and ideology to marginalize the LGBTQIA+ community, all without heavy-handedness or punditry, reflecting the significant societal shifts over the past decade during Trump's administration.

      The second notable moment occurs at a local bingo night, where the cast delivers a preview performance of the song "Sweet Transvestite," led by Starling. This moment signifies a potential shift in Rock Springs, marking a moment of acceptance for queer artists who are experiencing joy in the spotlight of a community center. Berg interviews some audience members, and there appears to be confusion over what has just happened or what has not occurred. Instead of protests or negative reactions, there is cheering, singing along, and applause.

      Kenny Starling is carving out queer space in Rock Springs. The town may be slow to change, but throughout the year covered by this documentary, an increasing number of locals begin to accept these performers. Time Warp is a vital celebration of that very acceptance.

      Time Warp debuted at the 2026 Tribeca Festival.