Movie Review: ‘The Lost Bus’

Paul Greengrass directs the new based-on-truth dramatic thriller set in the flaming hellscape of 2018 Camp Fire, which also stars America Ferrera.

(L to R) America Ferrera and Matthew McConaughey in ‘The Lost Bus,’ now streaming on Apple TV+.

On Apple TV+ on 3 October is ‘The Lost Bus’, a based-on-truth thriller directed by ‘United 93’ and ‘Bloody Sunday’ filmmaker Paul Greengrass, which stars Matthew McConaughey (‘Dallas Buyers Club’).

The Lost Bus

"Inspired by a true story of survival."

RDrama Thriller Mystery

Audience
Score

Release Date: Sep 19, 2025

Run Time: 2 hr 10 min

Starring: Matthew McConaughey, America Ferrera, Yul Vazquez

Watch The Lost Bus Online

The movie also features the likes of America Ferrera (‘Barbie’), Ashlie Atkinson (‘The Gilded Age’), and keeping it in the family, McConaughey’s mother Kay (‘Bernie’) and son Levi (who makes his film acting debut with this movie).

Initial Thoughts

‘The Lost Bus,’ now streaming on Apple TV+.

Paul Greengrass can direct this sort of ripped-from-the-headlines drama with one hand tied behind his back; he’s proved time and again that he’s capable of wringing real emotion out of human chaos.

Fortunately, ‘The Lost Bus’ finds him fully in control of his faculties as a filmmaker, keeping the focus sharp and largely side-stepping cliches like a bus careening away from falling power lines.

Script and Direction

Director Paul Greengrass on the set of ‘The Lost Bus,’ now streaming on Apple TV+.

Written by Brad Ingelsby (no stranger to either taught, tense drama or against-the-odds stories having created such projects as ‘Mare of Easttown’) and Greengrass, the new movie doesn’t seek to sensationalize the devastating events of the Camp Fire that tore through the town of Paradise in California and its environs, but keeps its eye largely on the occupants of the bus.

Greengrass near documentary style keeps things compelling as the disaster erupts around the community, stopping in on the fire fighting forces trying to tame the deadly blaze and those in charge of running the school bus system that proves vital to the evacuation.

Cast and Performances

Matthew McConaughey presents a nominee for Oscar® for Actor in a Leading Role during the live ABC telecast of the 96th Oscars® at the Dolby® Theatre at Ovation Hollywood on Sunday, March 10, 2024. Credit/Provider: Trae Patton / ©A.M.P.A.S. Copyright: ©A.M.P.A.S.

Naturally, the focus is on the two leads and the kids aboard the bus, who all give good, naturalistic performances. A lot of weight is given early on to Kevin McKay’s (McConaughey) frustrations in life and fractured relationship with his son, but that’s mostly to provide drive for him as he seeks to save his young charges then get back to his own child.

But one other performance deserves a shout-out: Ashlie Atkinson, who is superb as Ruby, the manager/dispatcher at the bus depot, who initially clashes with Kevin, but soon shows her own spine of steels as the crisis worsens.

Final Thoughts

It might be a fairly standard version of the heroic small-town true story, but in Greengrass’ hands it’s scary, impressive and watchable.

Kudos also to the effects team, who bring the various fires to such vivid life you might feel yourself getting warm.

‘The Lost Bus’ receives 80 out of 100.

‘The Lost Bus,’ now streaming on Apple TV+.

What’s the story of ‘The Lost Bus’?

‘The Lost Bus’ is a white-knuckle ride through one of America’s deadliest wildfires as a wayward school bus driver (Matthew McConaughey) and a dedicated school teacher (America Ferrera) battle to save 22 children from the terrifying inferno.