The Lost Bus Review :
If you’re looking for a film that combines mystery, heart, and a dash of survival drama, The Lost Bus on Apple TV+ delivers an unforgettable journey—literally.
Plot Snapshot
When a group of students boards an ordinary school bus, the last thing they expect is for the trip to veer wildly off course. After a strange detour into remote wilderness, the bus vanishes—leaving the kids stranded with no sign of civilization, no driver, and no clear way back. What unfolds is part survival tale, part emotional drama, and part psychological thriller as the group battles the elements—and each other—to make sense of what’s happened.
Why It Works
Director Marissa Hale brings a cinematic eye to what could’ve been a simple YA thriller. Instead, she delivers something layered and suspenseful, with moments of genuine emotional depth. The natural tension between the characters—each with their own secrets and struggles—keeps the story grounded even as the stakes escalate.
The young cast is a standout. Eli Navarro as the reluctant leader and Jasmine Liu as the brains of the group shine brightest, offering performances that feel real and raw without ever dipping into melodrama. The cinematography, with sweeping drone shots of vast, unforgiving landscapes, adds a haunting beauty to the isolation.
Room for Improvement?
Some flashback sequences slow the pacing in the middle act, and not every subplot lands as powerfully as intended. But the final 20 minutes ramp up the tension again and deliver a conclusion that’s both satisfying and open-ended enough to spark conversations.
The Verdict
The Lost Bus is more than just a missing persons mystery—it’s a reflection on fear, friendship, and the limits of human resilience. Apple TV+ continues to carve out a space for smart, emotionally rich storytelling, and this film is another strong entry.
Rating: 4/5
The Lost Bus is a ride worth taking—just don’t expect to know where it’s going.
