"Movie Review: Matthew McConaughey lends star appeal to the true-life catastrophe narrative of 'The Lost Bus'"
In the heart of California, a town once known as Paradise, the deadliest and most destructive wildfire in the state's history broke out in 2018. Amidst the chaos, a hero emerged - school bus driver Kevin McKay, who saved 22 grade school students from the Camp Fire, as depicted in the upcoming film, "The Lost Bus."
The movie, set for limited release on Sept. 19 and debut on Apple TV on Oct. 3, offers a gripping portrayal of the events, instilling terror with its depiction of the fire, reminiscent of a war zone. The film's cinematography, particularly the use of POV shots for the fire, establishes the position of power the fire possesses over people, who can only run or burn.
Matthew McConaughey stars as Kevin, a man in need of proving himself, facing conflicts with women at every turn, including his mother, ex-wife, boss, and pharmacist. Ashlie Atkinson delivers a compelling performance in the role of Ruby, the director of the Paradise bus depot. Ruby's character is portrayed as a blue-collar woman who does her part and her damndest, battling emotional warfare in the movie, trying to comfort the awaiting parents without providing false hope.
Ruby's role involves assigning routes, overtime, organizing maintenance checks, and evacuations when necessary. When a wildfire spreads faster than firefighters can handle, Ruby sends in Kevin to rescue children from the fire. However, Kevin's initial approach to Ruby is with a facade of gentility, attempting to manipulate her with a sob story. Ruby's responses to Kevin's requests are delivered gently but firmly, and she warns him not today on one occasion.
The film is slyly misogynistic, with the main character, Kevin, facing conflicts with women at every turn. Director Paul Greengrass battles against a full-fledged glossy disaster movie, resulting in a movie that is gripping, but only in gasps. Despite this, "The Lost Bus" offers some recompense to Kevin's character, allowing him to make brief amends with some of the movies who were painted as his antagonists.
"The Lost Bus" is based on a true story, and it's a testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. The film's premiere was held at the Toronto International Film Festival, and this review was first published on Sept. 6, 2025, out of the film's premiere. It has since been updated to reflect theatrical options.
