Director Paul Greengrass makes a welcome return to the screen in this drama, based on a true event, written in conjunction with Brad Ingelsby. Matthew McConaughey stars as a driver, Kevin McKay, who has to navigate a bus carrying children and their teacher, Mary Ludwig (America Ferrera) to safety through the 2018 Camp Fire, which became the deadliest fire in California history.
Greengrass is an absolute master when it comes to material like this, and this gut wrenching action drama is a triumph. Just enough time is taken to establish the dire nature of Kevin’s personal life, before we are plunged headlong into the flames. From then on, the extreme tension does not let up for a moment. Greengrass cuts between the desperate attempts to get the kids to safety and the fire chief, Ray Martinez (Yul Vazquez), planning and re-planning as he attempts to deploy his fire fighters. The increasing pressure is shown brilliantly on the face of Vazquez and Kate Wharton, who plays his battalion chief, Jen Kissoon.
The other stunning and completely natural performance comes from Ashlie Atkinson as the bus depot despatcher. Initially wisecracking, we later see how much she cares about her passengers and drivers. I know Greengrass’ handheld, roving, camera style is not to everyone’s taste, but I find it adds to the nerve shredding excitement, along with some superb practical effects, so much better than the bad CGI we are routinely served up.
The Lost Bus is on limited release in cinemas and on Apple TV+. If you get a chance to see it on a big screen, take it!
Rating: 9 out of 10