The Lost Bus (2025) has garnered generally positive reviews for its intense, immersive depiction of a true survival story during the 2018 Camp Fire in California. Directed by Paul Greengrass and starring Matthew McConaughey, the film is praised for its white-knuckle action sequences, strong lead performances, and realistic portrayal of fear and heroism in a disaster scenario.
Critical Reception
- RogerEbert.com highlights the film's riveting action and immersive style, commending Greengrass's direction but noting some screenplay flaws in the backstory that could have been trimmed for a tighter narrative. McConaughey's performance as the troubled bus driver Kevin McKay is viewed as compelling and consistent.
- IMDb user reviews appreciate the tension and strong camerawork but criticize some clichéd character development and shaky cam effects. McConaughey's dedication stands out as a highlight despite some uneven writing and distracting CGI.
- Decider.com recommends streaming the film, acknowledging some exhausting, constant motion visuals typical of Greengrass's style but appreciating the emotional depth and determination shown in McConaughey and Ferrera's performances.
- USA Today praises the suspense-building and immersive experience but notes pacing issues when the film shifts focus away from the bus to firefighting strategy. McConaughey's character arc from despair to heroism is effectively portrayed, with solid chemistry between the leads.
- Rotten Tomatoes and Metacritic suggest the film is well-acted and well-directed, with a strong sense of authenticity and crisis tension, though some critics feel it could have intensified certain dramatic elements.
- NPR describes the film as effective in conveying the nightmare of navigating a wildfire with a bus full of children, underscoring the tension and stakes involved.
Overall, "The Lost Bus" is viewed as a powerful, suspenseful disaster drama anchored by strong performances and skilled direction, though some critics note flaws in character depth and pacing. It is recommended especially for viewers interested in true stories of survival and heroism. This film is available on Apple TV+ and had a limited theatrical release in 2025.
