White-knuckle wildfire drama, 'The Lost Bus', features Matthew McConaughey at the helm
In the heart of the autumn season, a new film is set to captivate audiences. Titled 'The Lost Bus,' this Apple Original Films release, opening in select theaters on September 19 and streaming on Apple TV+ on October 3, dramatizes the harrowing events of the 2018 Camp Fire that ravaged the town of Paradise, California.
Directed by Paul Greengrass, the filmmaker behind the critically acclaimed 'Captain Phillips' and 'United 93,' 'The Lost Bus' tells a gripping story of survival and heroism. Matthew McConaughey plays Kevin, a down-on-his-luck school bus driver tasked with transporting 22 elementary school students to safety during the wildfire. Joining him on this perilous journey is Mary, a teacher portrayed by America Ferrera.
The narrative creates a palpable sense of dread, particularly when children are involved, as the duo navigates through the flames, collapsing power cables, and communications failures that characterised the chaotic situation faced by first responders. The depiction of their journey bears a striking resemblance to the movie 'Speed,' with Kevin and Mary driving the school bus through the inferno.
Co-written by Brad Ingelsby and Paul Greengrass, 'The Lost Bus' also delves into an interesting thread about absentee dads and regret, a theme that extends beyond Kevin. Levi McConaughey, Matthew McConaughey's son, gives a small but effective performance in the movie, adding another layer to the emotional depth of the story.
However, occasionally, the action in 'The Lost Bus' feels amplified for audience excitement, causing a sense of disbelief. The movie is rated R by the Motion Picture Association of America for 'language.'
'The Lost Bus,' with a running time of 129 minutes, is a compelling drama that serves as a poignant reminder of the devastating impact of wildfires and the extraordinary acts of courage displayed by ordinary people in times of crisis. It stands in stark contrast to Joseph Kosinski's 'Only the Brave,' which focuses on firefighters rather than civilians during a wildfire.
On November 8, 2018, the Camp Fire burned Paradise, California, resulting in 85 deaths. 'The Lost Bus' offers a moving portrayal of the events that unfolded that day, providing a gripping and emotional cinematic experience for audiences.
Read also:
- Mohammad Yousuf publically labeled Suryakumar Yadav as a "pig," an unusual slur Yousuf explained.
- Today's most impactful photographic moments
- Support for Eric Adams in The Post's Letters to the Editor on August 13, 2025
- Roosting Shark and Rambunctious Red Squirrels: Unconventional House Rental in Yorkshire Involving Aquatic Marvel, Squirrely Mayhem, and Mystical Planning Regulations
