the lost bus review

The Lost Bus (2025) is a gripping disaster drama directed by Paul Greengrass, based on the true story of the 2018 Camp Fire in Paradise, California. The film follows Kevin McKay (Matthew McConaughey), a troubled bus driver who, along with a dedicated teacher (America Ferrera), must navigate through a deadly wildfire to save 23 children. The movie is highly immersive and intense, delivering white-knuckle action sequences that effectively convey the chaos and fear of the wildfire evacuation. McConaughey’s performance is strong, balancing charisma and everyman qualities, while Ferrera provides solid support. Some critics note the film’s screenplay and character development are a bit heavy-handed, especially in the first half-hour, and pacing is disrupted by interspersed firefighting scenes. The movie plays like a traditional disaster film with a focus on survival and heroism, though it softens broader climate change themes. It’s recommended to be viewed on a large screen in one sitting to fully experience the tension and drama. Overall, The Lost Bus is praised as a compelling, intense survival story with powerful performances but with some narrative flaws, particularly early on and during slower moments. It is available on Apple TV+ after a limited theatrical release and is seen as a worthwhile watch for disaster and true-story film fans.