Apple TV+ has dropped the first trailer for “The Lost Bus,” the latest thriller from director Paul Greengrass with Oscar-winner Matthew McConaughey front and center.
Based on Lizzie Johnson’s nonfiction book “Paradise: One Town’s Struggle to Survive an American Wildfire,” the film dramatizes the true story of a school bus driver (McConaughey) and a teacher (played by America Ferrera) who risk everything to rescue 22 children trapped in the middle of California’s 2018 Camp Fire — the deadliest wildfire in state history.
The trailer is cut for maximum tension: McConaughey’s voice is heard responding to a desperate radio call — “There are 22 kids who are stranded… is there anybody who can pick these kids up?” — just before the screen fills with chaos: orange skies, collapsing trees, screaming engines, and a school bus weaving through hell on Earth.
The script was co-written by Greengrass with Mare of Easttown’s Brad Inglesby. The film is potentially aiming to premiere at the fall festivals before it arrives in select theaters and on Apple TV+.
Greengrass’ last film, “News of the World,” starring Tom Hanks, was released five years ago during the pandemic, and it received good reviews, but nowhere near the accolades the filmmaker was used to getting. Ditto “July 22,” which premiered at Venice 2018, and was politely received by critics.
Greengrass’ made the use of handheld camera “hip” in Hollywood with his 'Bourne' movies and, for that reason alone, he should definitely be put on a list of the most influential filmmakers of the 21st century. His very best work —"Captain Phillips," "United 93," "Blood Sunday”—are these heroic stories of unimaginable horror mixed with edge of your seat thrills.