Indie filmmaker and Oregon native Matthew Thomas Ross takes us through his tribulations with Stage 4 appendix cancer in his autobiographical documentary, Into The Unknown. The documentary also features VHS home movies shot by him and his father, Tom Ross. Ross invites the audience to follow him as he goes through chemo treatments over the course of 2023. Appendix cancer struck him at the young age of 38. His ultimate goal is to be cancer-free by the film’s end. Ross was inspired to be a filmmaker through his father, who videotaped his childhood in the 1990s. Gradually, he began to co-direct home movies and participate in the arts.
The documentary reveals Ross’s approach to coping with his cancer diagnosis. He becomes self-reflective and expresses his fears about the cancer’s impact, especially his own mortality and bad side effects from the chemo treatments. Despite his struggles with appendix cancer, there are bright spots. He proposes to his longtime girlfriend, Greer. Ross pushes forward by turning this documentary into a passion project and staying optimistic about his future with the disease.
“…Ross, takes us into his tribulations with Stage 4 appendix cancer in his autobiographical documentary…”
Into the Unknown is a touching film, and I cried halfway through it. Matthew Thomas Ross turns his tragic predicament into a piece that speaks to the human condition. His editing is fantastic. He matches cuts from home movie footage with contemporary scenes shot on Kodak’s 16 mm film. With this creative composition, he is able to find parallel moments in his life.
The blend of 16 mm film and VHS footage is a phenomenal choice, helping us connect with both his past and present. It is a joy to see him have fun videotaping his family at a young age. Jayson Bosteder’s cinematography enhances the scenes shot on 16 mm because it transforms Oregon into a charming and warm environment.
While the documentary is about Ross’s personal journey, it also explores potential causes of appendix cancer. This rare disease is growing among millennials, and some sources say it is due to processed foods and microplastics. Hopefully, this documentary will encourage further research.
Matthew Thomas Ross’ Into The Unknown is a moving documentary. His self-reflection and humility will touch the audience’s heart. To Matthew: may this superb piece be the first of many more feature films to come.
"…expresses his fears about the cancer’s impact, especially his own mortality…"
