McConaughey showcases heroism in California wildfire in 'The Lost Bus'

Matthew McConaughey returned to the big screen after several years away from high-profile films with the world premiere on Friday of a new docudrama, "The Lost Bus," at the Toronto International Film Festival.

Inspired by Lizzie Johnson's book on the real-life tragedy of the 2018 Camp Fire, the deadliest wildfire in California history that claimed 85 lives, the film offers a glimpse into the intensity and magnitude of the destructive fire.

McConaughey plays a school bus driver and struggling father who risks his life to rescue 22 children, racing against scorching flames that threaten their escape.

The film premieres at a time wildfires are fresh in the minds of many viewers. Wildfires in Southern California early this year killed at least 30 people, and Canada is experiencing its second-worst wildfire season on record.

McConaughey said the film explores the subject of the relationship between humans and Mother Nature. "The message is in your face and the reality is in your face," McConaughey told Reuters ahead of the film's premiere.

In the film, he is joined by Oscar-nominated America Ferrera (Barbie, 2024), who plays an elementary school teacher fighting alongside him for survival.

"To me, the story is deeply about a human journey, about resilience and also about choices," Ferrera said.

McConaughey’s real-life son, Levi, and mother, Kay, play his character’s son and mother.

The Lost Bus is McConaughey's second film this year, following the crime thriller The Rivals of Amziah King. The Oscar-winning actor had kept a relatively low profile for several years. He won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his performance in Dallas Buyers Club in 2014.

Directed by Paul Greengrass, best known for the 2006 docudrama United 93, The Lost Bus will arrive in select theatres on September 19, with streaming available on Apple TV+ beginning October 3.