Apple TV+’s The Lost Bus, a gripping thriller starring Matthew McConaughey and America Ferrera, has roared onto the scene with a perfect 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes, outshining HBO’s True Detective. Directed by Paul Greengrass (United 93, Captain Phillips), the film, which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival, is based on Lizzie Johnson’s book Paradise: One Town’s Struggle to Survive an American Wildfire. Its intense narrative and stellar performances have critics raving, positioning it as a must-watch ahead of its October 3, 2025, streaming release.
Set during the devastating 2018 Camp Fire in California, The Lost Bus follows Kevin McKay (McConaughey), a wayward bus driver, and Mary Ludwig (Ferrera), a dedicated teacher, as they fight to save 22 students from a raging inferno. The film’s heart-pounding sequences, inspired by real events, showcase Greengrass’s mastery of immersive storytelling. Critics praise its “ruthlessly efficient” pacing, with The Guardian noting how it keeps viewers “on edge” even before the flames erupt. TheWrap lauded its large-scale action, calling it “arguably Greengrass’s first horror film.”
McConaughey’s “pulsing” performance, as described by New York Post critic Johnny Oleksinski, anchors the film, portraying a flawed father desperate to reach his ill son. Ferrera matches his intensity, delivering a memorable turn as a teacher battling chaos. The ensemble, including Yul Vazquez and Jamie Lee Curtis as a producer, adds depth to the survival saga. Despite its current 100% score from 13 reviews, Variety warns the rating may shift as more critics weigh in, but the early buzz is undeniable.
Filmed in Ruidoso, New Mexico, the movie’s CGI-enhanced wildfire visuals are both “staggering” and occasionally artificial, per Rotten Tomatoes, yet Greengrass’s fever-pitch direction keeps the tension high. David Rooney of The Hollywood Reporter called the fire the “true star,” labeling the film a “scary wake-up call.” Fans on X echo this, with some hailing it as “McConaughey’s best since Interstellar.” The timely narrative, amid recent wildfires, adds urgency, though SHIFTER Magazine notes it may be triggering for some.
With a limited theatrical run starting September 19, 2025, The Lost Bus is poised to dominate awards season conversations. Its blend of raw emotion, high-stakes action, and real-world relevance makes it a standout on Apple TV+. Move over, True Detective—this thriller is stealing the spotlight. Stream it soon and see why critics are buzzing.
