The Lost Bus - Au cœur des flammes

It was literally hell on earth, the whole town was on fire, this story needed to be told and remembered. I was one of the last few leaving town that day, did not realize how severe it was, lucky to make it out. It was 12 noon but you could never tell it was so dark, except for yellow and red glow of the flames everywhere and ash like it was snowing. You don't realize what you've had 'till it's all gone, count your blessing! Great actors, great movie, watch it!

If you have any doubt as to how frightening and deadly a wild fire is, then this film will set you right. No one does kinetic, anxiety-inducing action quite like Paul Greengrass, and in telling this true story of a bus driver and teacher trying to get a bus full of school kids to safety in the midst of the worst wildfire in California's history, Paul Greengrass is certainly in territory made for his signature strengths. It's a shame this has only had a limited cinema release before streaming - it would have looked and sounded truly immersive on the big screen. It's claustrophobic and thrilling enough on television, with the cinematography and sound design really standing out. A good Matthew McConaughey and America Ferrera, along with the rest of the cast, do a decent job with a screenplay that is sometimes a necessary exposition dump, and whilst the character development isn't all it could be, this is still a thrilling and involving disaster film that doesn't let up for any of its run time.

"The Lost Bus" is a solid thriller-drama that manages to keep the audience engaged with its tense atmosphere and emotional undertones. While it doesn't necessarily break new ground in terms of storytelling, it makes up for it with good pacing, a strong sense of tension, and a cast that delivers believable and heartfelt performances.

What works best here is the way the film blends survival tension with personal drama, making the stakes feel more grounded and human. The direction keeps the suspense alive without going overboard, and visually, the film captures the claustrophobic and unsettling tone well.

That said, some narrative choices lean toward the predictable, and the film doesn't always take full advantage of its premise. Still, "The Lost Bus" is a well-executed ride-tense, engaging, and worth watching if you enjoy character-driven thrillers with a touch of emotional depth.

I was on the edge of my seat as I did not know the true outcome of the missing bus. The tension, the actual film of this disaster had me grasping how huge this fire was and it was woven excellently in the film. Mathew and America were exceptional. A wonderful exciting, well done movie! See this movie!

Matthew McConaughey shines as Kevin, the determined bus driver, infusing the role with stoic grit and subtle vulnerability. America Ferrera, as Mary, the teacher, matches his intensity, her warmth and resolve anchoring the young ensemble cast of students, who bring authenticity and raw emotion to the screen. Their performances elevate the film, capturing the courage and fear of those caught in an unimaginable crisis.

Yet, the film's impact is severely hampered by its abysmal cinematography. The shaky, handheld camera work feels chaotic and disorienting, often resembling amateur footage rather than a polished production. Scenes of the wildfire's terrifying beauty-flames consuming the landscape-are reduced to a blur of erratic zooms and unsteady frames, robbing the visuals of their potential grandeur. This jarring approach distracts from the story's weight, undermining the otherwise immersive production design and haunting soundscape of roaring flames and distant sirens.

The Lost Bus is a tale of resilience that deserves to be seen with clarity, but its unprofessional camera work overshadows its strengths. While the stellar acting and gripping plot make it worth watching, the cinematographic missteps hold it back from greatness.

Rating: 6/10.