The recent LA fires are still fresh in the minds of Californians, so for some, The Lost Bus may be too soon a film to enjoy. However, this action-filled movie is highly entertaining. Matthew McConaughey portrays Kevin McKay, a man who is literally hanging on amidst the challenges of his life. He drives a school bus for a living.

Kevin, who has been estranged from his father for two decades, has only recently returned to his childhood home in Paradise after his father's passing. He desperately needs overtime work to support his elderly mother, Sherry (played by Kay McCabe McConaughey), and his 15-year-old son, Shaun (portrayed by Levi McConaughey, the actor's own son). Unfortunately, Ruby (Ashlie Atkinson), the highly efficient dispatcher at the bus depot, has no appropriate assignments available for him. To make matters worse, Kevin was recently faced with the heart-wrenching decision to euthanize his beloved pet due to an aggressive cancer diagnosis.

America Ferrera portrays Mary Ludwig, an extraordinary teacher who knows all the children by name and is always ready to offer a comforting hug. Having never left the familiarity of her hometown, she believed it was the safest place for her. Like Kevin, she is a parent, but while trapped on the bus, she becomes the voice of reason for the kids. These characters find themselves on a bus with 22 children during one of California’s deadliest fires. Amid the chaos of this catastrophe, the two adults must collaborate to ensure the children's safety.

The Camp Fire, named after its origin near Camp Creek Road, stands as the most destructive and deadly wildfire in California's history. It led to the displacement of nearly entire communities, including Magalia, Concow, and Paradise. The screenplay was adapted by director Paul Greengrass and co-writer Brad Inglesby, known for "Mare of Easttown." They drew from Lizzie Johnson's book, "Paradise: One Town's Struggle to Survive an American Wildfire," as well as firsthand accounts from individuals who lived through these catastrophic events.

Kevin becomes the unsung hero when he is late returning the bus after completing his initial route. He is stalling to get medicine for his sick son, unsure of the severity of his son's illness, especially given the tense relationship between them. Hesitantly, he answers a call from Ruby, the dispatcher, to pick up a class of elementary school kids who were delayed by the fires and transport them to a safe point. Currently, the film's tension reaches its peak.

Ferrera was perfectly cast as Mary Ludwig, embodying the calm and loving nature that teachers, who also serve as caregivers, often display in such tense situations. Despite her strength and resilience, Mary is not without her fears.

The script fails to thoroughly explore Ferrera's family background, yet she delivers a wonderful performance as Mary. Meanwhile, McConaughey excels in portraying a character who grapples with the harsh reality of potentially dying before having the opportunity to mend his relationship with his son, similar to his unresolved issues with his father.

The filmmakers did an impressive job of creating the tension inside the bus. The atmosphere goes from getting on the bus in a horrid fashion to a sense of urgency once the fires are fully raging. No matter how positive Kevin and Mary try to stay, they soon learn that the odds are against them; nevertheless, they keep pushing forward. 

While the fire is the most prominent element, it is the children who contribute significantly to making the catastrophe believable. The audience becomes invested because they find it unimaginable that, after all they have endured, the children would not survive.

Many people may choose to skip this movie due to the recent fires and ongoing catastrophes across the country. However, for those seeking an exciting action-adventure film, The Lost Bus promises an exhilarating ride.

The will be released September the 19th in theaters and on October the 5th on Apple tv+