Dive into the gripping narrative of Paul Greengrass’ ‘The Lost Bus’, a film that masterfully depicts the harrowing events surrounding the Camp Fire in California.
The Lost Bus: A Gripping Review of Paul Greengrass’ Latest Film
On a seemingly ordinary November day in Northern California, Paul Greengrass’ latest harrowing true-life action-drama, “The Lost Bus”, begins. The winds howl, the vegetation snaps, and the electrical towers creak under the strain of a prolonged drought. Over 200 days have passed since the last rainfall, and the ominous Camp Fire, California’s deadliest wildfire, is on the verge of erupting, ready to devastate the town of Paradise and its surroundings. The stage has been set for disaster, a reality that has loomed for years.
Kevin McKay’s Struggles
In Paradise, Kevin McKay (played by Matthew McConaughey) finds his life teetering on the edge of collapse. The narrative presents his circumstances starkly: after returning to Paradise following the death of his estranged father, he is now burdened with caring for his ailing mother (his real-life mother, Kay McConaughey), dealing with a resentful teenage son (his real-life son Levi McConaughey), and navigating a tumultuous relationship with his ex-wife (played by Kimberli Flores). As if that weren’t enough, he faces the heart-wrenching task of putting down his beloved dog just before the fire ignites.
The Fire and Communication Breakdown
Adapted from Lizzie Johnson’s book, “Paradise: One Town’s Struggle to Survive an American Wildfire,” the screenplay by Greengrass and Brad Inglesby explores the catastrophic events of November 2018 through Kevin’s perspective. As the fire rages outside, Kevin’s life spirals further out of control. Greengrass masterfully builds tension as Kevin attempts to complete his morning bus route while also seeking Tylenol for his ailing son, Shaun. This seemingly simple task becomes increasingly complicated as the fire encroaches on Paradise.
In the film’s first act, communication failures abound. Just as Kevin struggles to connect with his family, the town of Paradise faces challenges in disseminating evacuation orders. The Cal Fire team, led by a compelling Yul Vasquez as fire chief Ray Martinez, is reduced to frantic radio chatter. By the time communications fail entirely, the town is already in chaos.
Heroism Amidst Chaos
The stakes are high for the 22 students left at Ponderosa Elementary School, whose parents cannot reach them in time for the evacuation. The only hope lies with Kevin’s overworked boss, Ruby (played by Ashlie Atkinson), who is astonished when Kevin steps up to transport the children and their teacher, Mary Ludwig (played by America Ferrera), to safety.
As a reluctant hero, Kevin navigates the chaos of the Camp Fire explosion while trying to drive the kids to safety. The film juxtaposes the larger narrative of the fire with personal stories of horror and heroism. Subplots weave in and out, including a poignant moment involving a first responder and a group of citizens he attempts to rescue, as well as a band of looters taking advantage of the disaster.
See More ...
The Cinematic Experience
Greengrass and his team create a visceral depiction of the fire’s ferocity, leaving viewers in awe of its scale and destructiveness. The film captures the sheer terror of the blaze, prompting the question: “How did anyone survive this?” Greengrass excels at transforming real-life tragedies into gripping cinema, and this portrayal of Hell on Earth is no exception.
While Greengrass and Inglesby focus on McKay and Ludwig’s story, the magnitude of the disaster often overshadows their narrative. The film’s scope is vast, and at times, the personal story feels insufficient against the backdrop of such a monumental tragedy.
Grade: B
“The Lost Bus” premiered at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival and will be released in select theaters on September 19, followed by a global debut on Apple’s streaming platform on October 3.
