The Lost Bus
The Lost Bus (2025) is a thriller drama, directed by Paul Greengrass. It stars Matthew McConaughey and America Ferrera. The film is based on a true story. The 130-minute film holds an audience score of 7/10.
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What The Lost Bus Is About
In November 2018 the Camp Fire destroyed the town of Paradise, California, and a school bus carrying 22 children was caught inside it. This is the story of that evacuation. Paul Greengrass wrote the script with Brad Ingelsby from journalist Lizzie Johnson's 2021 book. Matthew McConaughey plays the real driver, Kevin McKay, and America Ferrera plays teacher Mary Ludwig. Greengrass's usual handheld language reads here as necessity rather than style: when visibility drops to nothing, the audience sees exactly as much as the driver does. Shooting began in Ruidoso, New Mexico in April 2024. It premiered at Toronto on 5 September 2025, opened in limited release on 19 September and reached Apple TV+ on 3 October 2025. Rotten Tomatoes has 87 percent of 140 reviews positive, with a consensus about recreating a real disaster with terrifying authenticity. It was nominated for Best Visual Effects at the 98th Academy Awards. Who it is for: viewers drawn to true-event storytelling and to disaster sequences that are genuinely hard to stage. Who it is not for: anyone who cannot sit through fire and children in danger. The film holds that tension for a long stretch.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Lost Bus about?
In November 2018 the Camp Fire destroyed the town of Paradise, California, and a school bus carrying 22 children was caught inside it. This is the story of that evacuation.
Where can I watch The Lost Bus?
The Lost Bus is available to watch on digital platforms such as Apple TV, Apple TV Amazon Channel. Current rent and buy options are listed in the "Where to Watch" section on this page.
How long is The Lost Bus?
The Lost Bus runs for 130 minutes (2h 10m).
When did The Lost Bus come out?
The Lost Bus was released in 2025.
Who directed The Lost Bus?
The Lost Bus was directed by Paul Greengrass.
Who stars in The Lost Bus?
The Lost Bus stars Matthew McConaughey, America Ferrera, Yul Vazquez, Ashlie Atkinson.
What is The Lost Bus's rating?
The Lost Bus holds 6.8/10 on IMDb and 7.0/10 on TMDB. Its Pulse Score is 66 out of 100.
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