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Greengrass’ ‘The Lost Bus’ Earns Strong TIFF Debut as Visceral Wildfire Thriller

Early notices single out practical fire realism alongside standout turns by Matthew McConaughey, America Ferrera.

Overview

  • The film premiered Sept. 5 at the Toronto International Film Festival to strong audience reactions and early awards speculation.
  • Directed by Paul Greengrass and adapted from Lizzie Johnson’s reporting, it dramatizes a real 2018 Camp Fire evacuation in Paradise, California led by a bus driver and a teacher guiding 22 children.
  • Critics emphasize immersive authenticity driven by extensive practical fire effects, with McConaughey describing multiple on‑set close calls while driving the bus through staged flames.
  • The story nods to broader accountability tied to the Camp Fire, with reports noting PG&E later paid more than $13 billion to victims and pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter, even as filmmakers frame the focus as human courage.
  • Apple schedules a limited theatrical release for Sept. 19, followed by streaming on Apple TV+ beginning Oct. 3.