The Lost Bus (2025)

Ebiri calls the film a great disaster movie and says its realism lingers after the thrill ride ends. He especially praises Greengrass’s vérité-style portrayal of the firefighting effort and the disaster’s scale.

The review presents the film as a thrilling survival story, with Matthew McConaughey portrayed as an understated hero. It singles out the visceral wildfire action as a strength.

Erbland finds the film’s portrayal of the Camp Fire terrifying and highly effective, but says its focus on the bus story feels too narrow for the disaster’s scale. She particularly praises the wind and fire effects for making the catastrophe feel visceral and real.

Donato finds the film an effective, rousing disaster thriller despite its heavy-handed, manipulative family drama. He praises Greengrass’s immersive depiction of the wildfire’s peril and the children’s convincing nervousness.

Rooney finds the film most effective as an immersive, tense account of the wildfire evacuation, despite personal drama that sometimes feels like padding. He praises the fire’s terrifying visual force and the urgent bus sequences, while singling out America Ferrera’s warmth and resolve.

Lee finds the film technically accomplished and frightening, though its excess and soapy script weaken it. He particularly praises Greengrass’s tense, immersive direction and Matthew McConaughey’s performance.

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The critic finds it serviceable but unoriginal, with the film’s immersive disaster thrills undermined by a lack of originality. The oppressive sound design and the appealing pairing of McConaughey and Ferrara stand out for praise.

Baker’s review gives the film three stars and praises Matthew McConaughey’s convincing, charismatic performance. He singles out McConaughey as a compelling presence at the centre of the true-story thriller.

Debruge finds the docudrama immersive but slow to engage, and limited in the story it tells. He praises the terrifying, stunning scenes of the bus surrounded by smoke and flames.

O’Hara finds the film’s human drama less involving than its disaster spectacle, resulting in a mixed verdict. She praises the fire sequences as thrilling and terrifying, especially when children are in danger.

Abele finds the film galvanizing at times but weakened by a formulaic character arc and missed opportunities. He praises the terrifying fire sequences and the sturdy performances of Matthew McConaughey and America Ferrera.

Daniels describes the film as uneven but intense. The headline and standfirst single out its California wildfire-disaster drama and intensity.

Hanson finds the film’s nerve-wracking depiction of the wildfire thrilling but says its clichés undermine the intended solemnity. He criticizes Greengrass for turning real-life tragedy into a roller-coaster backdrop for a hero’s journey.

The critic finds it a gripping, hopeful docudrama that falls short of Greengrass’s best because of underdeveloped characters and repetitive storytelling. He praises its tense, immersive fire sequences and the grounded performances by Matthew McConaughey and America Ferrera.

Wise finds the wildfire drama intense and compelling, though its moral framing and the audience’s knowledge of the children’s survival lessen the suspense. He praises the convincing sense of danger created by the performances, especially America Ferrera’s quietly reassuring presence.

The critic finds the film a sobering showcase for Greengrass’s filmmaking, though it feels less timely than earlier documentaries about the Camp Fire. The review especially praises the visceral, breathless momentum of the wildfire sequences.