By Laura Wolford

Business is business in the new family drama film “At Any Price,” starring Dennis Quaid and Zac Efron as a father and son whose relationship is put to the test by events threatening a family and its farm. In serious fashion the film addresses dark themes that question what is considered moral when the safety of one’s family is at stake.

Henry Whipple (Quaid) is the archetypal Midwestern farmer whose family farm means everything to him. When his son Dean (Efron) tells him he would rather be a professional racecar driver than own the farm, Henry tries to convince Dean to join the family business. Dean has no interest in farming until the business is subjected to an investigation that could ruin the family financially and socially.

Quaid and Efron deliver standout performances in their respective roles as father and rebellious son. Quaid portrays the patriarch with ease as he effortlessly turns his character into the stern but proud father. His character’s emotional depth intensifies as he deals with the weight of the failing farm on his shoulders.

Efron holds his own, as his character changes from an uncontrollable young boy into a responsible and reliable man when the family’s troubles become his reality. He recognizes his character’s two-dimensionality and brings emotional depth to a role that would have been flat without this duality. Efron creates a connection between the audience and his character that makes viewers feel for him even when he does not deserve our sympathy.

Although the film has its melodramatic moments, “Price” has a thoughtful script by Ramin Bahrani, and viewers become emotionally invested. It’s a story about real, working-class people and the struggles they go through, which can be difficult to find among the superhero and adventure movies that are popular today.

The film focuses on family issues ranging from tension between members of the family, such as father and son, romantic relationship issues and even situations beyond the characters’ control. The mix of these issues actually works for the film, which, instead of being a jumbled mess, succeeds due to the excellent writing.

The film’s main theme is morality, and while there is a resolution at the end, it’s not a happy resolution in a traditional sense. The morals that our society holds in the highest regard are completely forgotten here, as justice is not given to the lawful. Even the audience will be fooled by this morally wrong conclusion because of the restored sense of happiness and order at the end of the film.

“At Any Price” brilliantly portrays the lengths people will go to for family, and despite the shocking ending — that might not necessarily be the most appropriate conclusion — the film still manages to capture the audience’s attention and hearts.

Laura Wolford is a staff writer. Email her at [email protected].