“Invisible”: Matthew Michael Ross Makes Pain Impossible to Ignore

“If someone takes away that judging people from their outward appearance may not be the whole story, then I’ve succeeded.”

— Matthew Michael Ross, Writer/Director

A Story Born From Loss, Written With Empathy

What happens when the pain you carry can’t be seen—but refuses to let go? For filmmaker Matthew Michael Ross, the answer became Invisible: a suspenseful, deeply personal drama about searching for lost friends, the weight of invisible illness, and the hope that hides in the darkest places.

“I wrote Invisible as a catharsis for that pain.”

Ross’s inspiration? A real-life friend lost to addiction, and his own journey with CMT, a degenerative neurological disease. The film’s protagonist, CB (played by Zebedee Row), is on a desperate search for his missing friend David. Along the way, he meets Heather (Rachel Alig), who suffers from CRPS—infamously dubbed “the suicide disease.” Together, they plunge into LA’s underbelly, crossing paths with drug dealers, addicts, and the kinds of characters you only meet when you’re searching for someone who’s disappeared.

Watch the trailer: https://youtu.be/ayEN0QbWAyk

Making the Invisible, Visible

“My personal experience with CMT made me understand how it feels to be living with something ‘invisible’ to others.”

Ross’s own health struggles shaped the film’s authenticity. Heather’s character, based on a close friend, is rendered with care and accuracy—so much so that members of the CRPS community recognized themselves in her story.

“I actually received approval from CRPS sufferers, recognizing my dialogue to be accurate and my characters developed truthfully.”

The result? Audiences leave the theater not just moved, but changed. “Many have come out of the film feeling a type of catharsis because they, too, had a loved one who battled these invisible illnesses,” Ross shares.

Suspense, Drama, and Unflinching Honesty

“I was creating two stories at the same time. The first was the story of how I went searching for my friend. The second was a fictional narrative that was very exciting to write.”

“Invisible” is more than a message movie. It’s a gripping, twist-filled ride where emotional truth and narrative tension go hand-in-hand. Heather’s journey with chronic pain is never sidelined for suspense—instead, it’s woven through every plot turn.

“Heather had to deal with her invisible condition throughout the film. Others, like Rebecca, are still trying to recognize their own pain, which may be invisible to them.”

On-Set Alchemy: Bringing CB and Heather to Life

Ross assembled a powerhouse team—cinematographer Rob Sweeney, co-producers Derek Julian and Donald Watson, and a cast led by Zebedee Row and Rachel Alig.

“With Zebedee, trust was mutual, and we made some great decisions on set together… Rachel wanted to know so much about CRPS so that she could bring Heather to life while supporting CB on his journey.”

The chemistry shows. Both leads deliver raw, layered performances that anchor the film’s emotional stakes.

From Festival Darling to Worldwide Release

“Going into negotiations for a distribution deal with Indie Rights Films with awards in our pocket gave us a certain level of confidence.”

“Invisible” has already racked up seven festival awards, including Best Feature at the Marina Del Rey and Awareness Film Festivals, and Best Original Screenplay at both Idyllwild and Golden State.

And now, it’s coming to screens everywhere:

Premieres September 2, 2025, on Amazon, YouTube, Google Play, and Apple TV.

Distributed by Indie Rights Films.

The Power of Digital: Indie Filmmaking’s New Frontier

“To have Amazon, YouTube, and Google Play is very exciting, and I want to do it again and again.”

Ross sees digital platforms as a game-changer for indies: “Theatrical is getting harder and harder for Indie films, but digital means your story can reach anyone, anywhere.”

Advice for Storytellers: Make It Happen

“Personal stories are often among the most compelling. But believing in yourself and keeping your eye on the prize is what it’s all about. My advice is always—it’s your story, make it happen.”

Ross’s journey from Cannes-nominated shorts to digital series with hundreds of thousands of views proves that personal, even stigmatized stories can find their audience—if you refuse to give up.

Looking Forward: What’s Next for AON Films

AON Films is already at work on two female-led features and a supernatural TV series. “I personally find women to be much more interesting,” Ross laughs. “Probably because I had a very strong influence from my mother and from my sister.”Final Word: Hope, Forgiveness, and Moving Forward

“Heather and CB’s journey is about hope, love, discovery, and forgiveness.”

“Invisible” is a film for anyone who’s ever felt unseen, anyone who’s loved someone lost to pain or addiction, and anyone who believes stories can change the world.

Something shifts soon

“Let’s hope that audiences watching at home will feel and understand the film starting on September 2nd when it’s available on Amazon, YouTube, and Google Play.”

Don’t miss “Invisible” when it drops September 2nd.

Watch the trailer now: https://youtu.be/ayEN0QbWAyk

Learn more about Indie Rights Films.