‘The Lost Bus’ Review – Heroism On Display Amid Real-Life Inferno Horrors

The deadliest and most destructive wildfire in California’s history is now the premise for the film The Lost Bus. A propulsive high-octane thriller takes the real-life tragedy that affected the small town of Paradise. The film itself is a stylized thriller, but its heart lies in the valid account of how a bus driver risked it all to save 22 students and a teacher. Amid a ravaging inferno, the movie reverts to familiar trappings of a disaster movie that, at times, lessen the stakes. However, many of these shortcomings are muted thanks to the raw account of heroism and a valiant performance by Matthew McConaughey in the film.

On Thursday, November 8, 2018, a faulty power line sparked, resulting in a massive fire that spread through California’s Butte County. The communities of Magalia and Concow are devastated, and the inferno engulfs the town of Paradise. When bus driver Kevin McKay (McConaughey) is trying to get home, he receives a call to help evacuate 22 school kids and their teacher, Mary Ludwig (America Ferrera). Despite being opposites, Kevin and Mary become the last line of defense, risking everything to save the bus full of children, even as the fires threaten to consume them. 

From the start, we see that Kevin is unable to catch a break. Finances are tight, and in his own words, this is not where he expected to be. Forty-four. His son, Shaun (played by McConaughey’s real-life son, Levi McConaughey), is distant from him and wants to live with his mother. His father has recently passed, and he is left with caring for his disabled mother, Sherry (played by McConaughey’s real-life mom, Kay McCabe McConaughey). To add insult to injury, right at the start, Kevin receives news that his beloved dog is sick. Cue the water works, and we’re not even fifteen minutes in. 

McConaughey met with the real-life Kevin to bring an authentic side to his cinematic portrayal. He is in perfect form with this role, imbuing Kevin with a world weariness, yet an unbreakable spirit. He honors the heroism while fleshing out a character that audiences root for from the start. On the bus, Kevin and Mary trade stories and perspectives. It is a humanizing moment for both of them. Differences aside, there is a common humanity that unites us all. Sadly, it often takes tragedy to see those overlapping lines in the circle.

In addition, Ferrera pairs well opposite McConaughey. These characters come from diverse backgrounds. There is an instant friction between Kevin’s no-nonsense approach and Mary’s quiet demeanor. All of those differences are irrelevant once the fires cut off their access to first responders. Both are ready to risk life and limb to protect 22 vulnerable and terrified children. The display of stress under pressure is breathtaking. Even in the face of death, Ferrera and McConaughey bring a dogged humanity to their portrayals—the result is an inspiring honor to two real-life heroes.  

The Lost Bus is effective when it tells a story of courage and determination. Now, there is no denying the races against the flames are harrowing. The movie tosses us right into the danger zone, resulting in a white-knuckle ride through the canyons and hills. However, there is a familiarity to this setup. While the accounts here are real, the film often relies on the setup and delivery of just another disaster film. The flames and adrenaline rush leave us gasping, but the real drama and story rise from the characterization and heroic displays. 

Today, we look around and ask Where are the heroes? The Lost Bus does an exemplary job of answering that question. The profiling of a teacher and a bus driver makes a stellar case for unexpected heroes rising to the challenge. We want heroes. We want to believe that in the face of the crisis, people will act not just with honor, but with valor. In the film, Kevin did have to answer the dispatch call, but he made a conscious decision to risk his own life to save others. That is heroism at its finest. 

The Lost Bus is currently playing in select theaters and is available to stream exclusively on Apple TV+.