'Harrowing' new Matthew McConaughey thriller leaves critics 'on edge of their seats'

A "harrowing" thriller starring Matthew McConaughey is leaving critics on the "edge of their seats".

The Lost Bus is based on a true storyof survival, taking viewers back to the devastating California wildfires back in 2018. It follows a bus driver and a school teacher who have been plunged into the raging blaze as they try to find a way of saving school children.

Thefilm is set to premier in selected cinemas on September 19 before being released on Apple TV+ on October 3. Starring Matthew McConaughey (known for his roles in Magic Mike and Interstellar), the film has been directed by Academy Award nominee Paul Greengrass, known for his work on the Bourne action film series.

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Apple TV teases: "A determined father (Matthew McConaughey) risks everything to rescue a dedicated teacher (America Ferrera) and her students from a raging wildfire."

Ahead of the release, critics are already claiming it leaves them on the "edge of their seats". On Rotten Tomatoes, the critical reviews pour in as critic Mae Abdulbaki wrote for Screen rant: "An occasionally slow film that is elevated by a fantastic cast and excellent, harrowing sequences."

Benjamin Lee for the Guardian said it was a "gruelling" film, adding: "Even before the wildfire has started to rage in fact-based docudrama The Lost Bus, Paul Greengrass has us on edge."

Critic Travis Hopson, for Punch Dunk Critics, commented: "The Lost Bus keeps you breathless and on the edge of your seat early on." And Awards Radar's Joey Magidson echoed: "The Lost Bus is an intense and visceral experience from Paul Greengrass."

First shown at the Toronto International Film Festival, the film already has an impressive Rotten Tomatoes score of 84% with 19 reviews. Previously described by Apple TV+ as a "white knuckle ride", the Lost Bus is based on Lizzie Johnson's book Paradise: One Town’s Struggle to Survive an American Wildfire.

As well as Matthew McConaughey, who stars as Kevin McKay, fans may also recognise America Ferrera who stars as Mary Ludwig (known for her roles on Barbie and Ugly Betty).

Familiar faces also include Yul Vazquez (Captain Phillips) as Ray Martinez and Ashlie Atkinson (The Gilded Age) as Ruby.

Last month, Apple TV+ dropped the official trailer for The Lost Bus as fans shared their excitement. One person wrote: "I genuinely like how SILENT this trailer is compared to others new. This gives chills on its own!"

Another added: "As someone who has ties to the town of Paradise (many members of my family lived there and i grew up not far from the town) I am looking forward to seeing Paul Greengrass's take on the tragedy. He is one of the best filmmakers out there when it comes to re-telling true life events."

A third replied: "One of the most heartbreaking true story with Matthew as the lead. This will be great and emotional."

The Lost Bus will premier in selected cinemas on September 19 and Apple TV+ on October 3.