Matthew McConaughey's Gripping Comeback Film Scores 87% on Rotten Tomatoes

The Lost Bus has debuted with a strong Rotten Tomatoes score. Directed by Paul Greengrass (The Bourne franchise), who co-wrote the script with Mare of Easttown creator Brad Ingelsby, based on a true story, the film stars Matthew McConaughey as a school bus driver who must carry children through the 2018 Camp Fire, the deadliest wildfire in California’s history.

Matthew McConaughey leads the cast in his first starring role in a movie since 2019’s The Gentleman, alongside Oscar nominee America Ferrera (Barbie), Yul Vazquez, Ashlie Atkinson, Levi McConaughey, Kay McCabe McConaughey, Kate Wharton, Danny McCarthy, Spencer Watson, Nathan Gariety, and Gary Kraus.

Now, following its premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 5, The Lost Bus has debuted with an 87% score from the critics on Rotten Tomatoes. The movie has 45 reviews at the time of writing, so its score could fluctuate as more are published.

The Lost Bus is now playing in select theaters, and, though it still has fewer than 50 ratings from users, it should have an audience score very soon. However, it doesn’t release on Apple TV+ until October 3.

What The Lost Bus Rotten Tomatoes Score Means For The Movie

The movie’s Rotten Tomatoes score means that its reviews are mostly positive. For instance, in ScreenRant‘s review of The Lost Bus, Mae Abdulbaki writes, “America Ferrera and Matthew McConaughey go on a harrowing journey in [an] occasionally nail-biting true story drama… an occasionally slow film that is elevated by a fantastic cast and excellent, harrowing sequences.”

Otherwise, critics are calling it a gripping disaster movie that captures the chaos of California’s Camp Fire with authenticity. Many praise director Paul Greengrass’ signature style, with his restless camerawork and immersive realism, as strengths that keep the film engaging. Matthew McConaughey’s commanding performance is also drawing consistent critical acclaim, which grounds the spectacle with a human touch.

The reviews describe the fire sequences as breathtaking, terrifying, and unforgettable – often comparing the film favorably to Paul Greengrass’ Captain Phillips and other great disaster movies. While some note issues such as shallow characters and heavy-handed drama, most agree that the film succeeds at delivering relentless tension and a powerful message about survival under extreme circumstances.

Our Take On The Lost Bus Rotten Tomatoes Score

Apple TV+ / Courtesy Everett Collection

By only releasing in select theaters before streaming on Apple TV+, The Lost Bus may struggle to be seen by audiences. However, based on the reviews, Matthew McConaughey’s performance is good enough to mark a major comeback, and it should be celebrated as such.