The Last Bus (2022) Review: Robert Sheehan-Tom Basden Starrer Is a Cautionary Tale of Technology

Netflix’s new release The Last Bus is an action-adventure eco-fable targetted at kids and adults alike to understand the perils of relying too much on technology. Created and written by Paul Neafcy, the series is developed by Jesse Cleverly, Sarah Mattingley and Paul Neafcy, produced by Andy Mosse, and, directed by Lawrence Gough. The science fiction series consists of ten episodes in total each with a runtime of 30-40 minutes.

The cast features Moosa Mostafa as Nas, Lauryn Ajufo as Misha, Daniel Frogson as Tom, Carys John as Bethan, Nathanael Saleh as Josh, Curtis Kantsa as Danny, Marlie Morrelle as Chelsea, Phoebe De Silva as Sophie along with The Umbrella Academy star Robert Sheehan as Dalton Monkhouse and After Life actor Tom Basden as Mr Short.

– The Last Bus Review Does Not Contain Any Spoilers –

The Last Bus: One Mismatched Group, Uncountable Technology Monsters

Netflix’s The Last Bus attempts to replicate the overpowering of machines over humans trope that we have seen in films before, such as the 2021 Netflix release Mother/Android but, putting kids on the centre stage to make it a cautionary tale that will hold the attention of most of the population. The series infuses its science fiction elements with comedy and adventure giving us an entertainer that also leaves us with a valuable lesson.

The series opens with a shot of the technology-centric company Monkhouse Dynamics, where the workers are seen loading, and unloading new technological gears. While working on the gears, we see one of the orbs, possibly malfunctioning and shot out of the place. In the next shot, we visit Braelawn Academy where we meet our protagonists, one by one- Nas, Misha, Sophie, Tom, Bethan, Josh, Danny and Chelsea. We find out soon enough that the children and other students from the school are going on a science field trip to none other than Monkhouse Dynamics.

As excitement, zeal and waiting to watch something new settle in, the kids are accompanied by their teacher Mr. Short for this trip. But, what initially seemed like an innocent and innovative science trip turns into an event of bloodbath and disaster, when the brand new G. D. Orbs introduced by Monkhouse Dynamics start to behave in unexpected ways, making the hair on the skin stand up out of fear and worry.

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The Last Bus on Netflix uses the vibe and ominous backdrop of Stranger Things mixes it with the horrors of a survival film and, showers us with a lesson on the environment, technology and sustainability. The premise is really intriguing and, yes, dystopian seemingly only in writing because the reality of machines taking over does not exactly seem far. Thus, by centring the plot on children and, how they tackle the given situation at hand where the world is almost ending, it puts a feeling of responsibility in the growing populace.

Apart from that, The Last Bus has one charming cast with child actors that bring the right amount of sass, anxiety, heroship and reality to the screen. A group as dynamic as this one is what actually makes the series stand out and enjoyable, reminding one of many child actors led films such as It: Chapter One, The Goonies, Spy Kids and more.

The Last Bus: Final Verdict

Overall, The Last Bus is a series that deserves a family call, where parents as well as children sit together and laugh through the mishaps and, reflect on the potential reality and dangers of technology as well as the sustainability required in today’s environment and, true friendship. With a talented and fun set of actors taking the series forward, it is by the end of the day a binge worthy-watch.

You can watch all the ten episodes of The Last Bus, now streaming on Netflix.

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