The true story of how a bus driver, a teacher and a group of children had to navigate to safety through the devastating 2018 Camp Fire in California, brought to life by a director who has a lot of experience from making similarly reality-based movies.

The visual effects that create the hellscape our school bus is racing through are the star of the film, helping us truly fear for the characters.

Matthew McConaughey is very good as the driver who gets a chance to prove his mettle, but there are times when the disaster scenario becomes a little too claustrophobic and repetitive.

2025-U.S. 130 min. Color. Widescreen. Directed by Paul Greengrass. Screenplay: Brad Ingelsby, Paul Greengrass. Book: Lizzie Johnson (”Paradise: One Town’s Struggle to Survive an American Wildfire”). Cast: Matthew McConaughey (Kevin McKay), America Ferrera (Mary Ludwig), Yul Vazquez (Ray Martinez), Ashlie Atkinson, Levi McConaughey, Kay McCabe McConaughey. 

Trivia: Co-produced by Jamie Lee Curtis. McConaughey’s mother and son in the film are played by his real-life mother and son.