America Ferrera and Matthew McConaughey in 'The Lost Bus.' Apple TV+ Share on Facebook Share on X Share to Flipboard Send an Email Show additional share options Share on LinkedIn Share on Pinterest Share on Reddit Share on Tumblr Share on Whats App Print the Article Post a Comment Few if any filmmakers can build and breathlessly sustain visceral intensity with the command of Paul Greengrass, who brings documentary realism, kinetic energy and heart-pumping adrenaline to stories drawn from life or fiction, generally about people caught in explosive situations. The Brit director is a master of chaos. That makes him an ideal fit for The Lost Bus, which plunges us into the 2018 inferno that ripped through Northern California's Butte County, decimating entire communities. If the human drama is seldom as alive as the flames, that's no fault of the fine leads, Matthew McConaughey and America Ferrera. Related Stories TV Toronto: A Desperate Mother, Indigenous Tradition and 3,000 Guests Spell Chaos in 'A Sami Wedding' Trailer (Exclusive) Movies 'Canceled: The Paula Deen Story' Review: Disgraced TV Chef Offers a Full Serving of Excuses in New Doc About those flames: Greengrass, DP Pål Ulvik Rokseth (who shot the director's riveting 2018 lone-terrorist film 22 July) and an ace visual effects team led by Charlie Noble give the wildfire the qualities of an unrelenting supernatural force of destruction, without ever compromising its authenticity. The almost instantaneous spread from scattered ground fires caused by a fallen power line to an all-consuming blaze devouring everything in its path is terrifying, shooting out tongues of flame, candling trees and raining down burning embers as it grows like an uncaged monster. The Lost Bus The Bottom Line Most effective as an immersive ride through the raging elements. Venue: Toronto International Film Festival (Special Presentations)Release date: Friday, Sept. 19 (theaters), Friday, Oct. 3 (streaming)Cast: Matthew McConaughey, America Ferrera, Yul Vázquez, Ashlie Atkinson, Spencer WatsonDirector: Paul GreengrassScreenwriters: Paul Greengrass, Brad Inglesby, based on the book Paradise: One Town's Struggle to Survive an American Wildfire, by Lizzie Johnson Rated R, 2 hours 9 minutes Known as the Camp Fire, a name derived from its origin near Camp Creek Road, the wildfire was the deadliest and most destructive in California history, displacing almost the entire communities of Magalia, Concow and Paradise. Greengrass and co-writer Brad Inglesby (Mare of Easttown) adapted their script from journalist Lizzie Johnson's book, Paradise: One Town's Struggle to Survive an American Wildfire, and first-hand accounts of people who lived through the catastrophic events. Coming less than a year after the devastating Southern California wildfires, The Lost Bus might be triggering for the many displaced people who lost their homes and businesses. But it also offers a balm in its portraits of bravery, heroism and resilience by focusing specifically on the inspiring stories of two people, bus driver Kevin McKay (McConaughey) and elementary school teacher Mary Ludwig (Ferrera). Opening with ominous footage of electrical towers and power lines trembling in high winds, the film swiftly foreshadows the disaster with drone shots of small towns surrounded by miles of forest. Weather reports predict an uptick in wind speeds and increased risk of fires after a long dry spell. Kevin grew up in Paradise and has only recently moved back there following the death of his father, from whom he was estranged for 20 years. Responsible for his 15-year-old son Shaun (played by the actor's own son, Levi McConaughey) and for the medical care required by his elderly mother Sherry (Kay McCabe McConaughey, you guessed it), Kevin is desperate for overtime shifts. But Ruby (Ashlie Atkinson), the briskly efficient dispatcher at the bus depot, has nothing for him. In what seems like downbeat overkill, his sweet old dog's cancer has spread, forcing him to have the animal euthanized. Greengrass and his team of three editors, led by seasoned action hand William Goldenberg, cut back and forth between Kevin's personal difficulties and reports of rapidly escalating wildfires, the scramble to control them led by Cal Fire battalion chief Ray Martinez (Yul Vázquez). This part of the story is a compelling account of emergency management and the coordination required by firefighters, government and other organizations from across multiple counties to combat a blaze and make crucial evacuation decisions. What seems like dozens of fire trucks, air tankers and helicopters are mobilized, but strong winds allow for minimal progress. The movie's most sobering note is struck later when Martinez is informed that they have no more resources left to fight the fire, forcing him to announce that Cal Fire is now focused solely on saving lives. All this happens while a representative from Pacific Gas & Electric stands around making belated offers to