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At Any Price

At Any Price

How far will you go to chase a dream?

2012105 minRMidcredits score: 27th percentile of all films
Director
Ramin Bahrani
Starring
Dennis Quaid, Zac Efron, Kim Dickens, Clancy Brown

Henry Whipple wants his rebellious son Dean to help expand his family’s farming empire. However, Dean has his sights set on becoming a professional race car driver. When a high-stakes investigation into their business is exposed, father and son are pushed into an unexpected situation that threatens the family's entire livelihood.

Where to watch

Where can I watch At Any Price?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists At Any Price streaming on Tubi (free) and to rent or buy on Prime Video.

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Highlights

What stands out about At Any Price?

At Any Price earns 3 badges, led by Before they were famous and Haunting.

  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Cast

Reception

Is At Any Price worth watching?

At Any Price's Midcredits score is the 27th percentile of all films, from 12K ratings across 6 sources. 30% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

27th percentile

Better received than 27% of films

23rd percentile among Drama28th percentile among 2010s
Acclaim (how much people like it)34th
Approval (how many liked it)23rd

57 /100

34th percentile of all films

30th percentile among Drama35th percentile among 2010s

Critics 61 · Audience 56

Critics and audiences broadly agree.

Rating distribution

A broad spread centered near 5.7 — solid but not unanimous.

Approval

How many liked it

30% liked it

23rd percentile of all films

17th percentile among Drama22nd percentile among 2010s
30% rated it 7–1070% rated it 1–6

Critics 52% · Audience 31%

On Rotten Tomatoes, a bigger share of critics approved than audiences.

Reach

How many have seen it

85th percentile

11K ratings across platforms

87th percentile among Drama86th percentile among 2010s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Down 15% in 30 days

Box office

Opening weekend$16K
Domestic gross$381K
Worldwide gross$488K

51st percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

A rural family drama driven by Dennis Quaid's strong performance but undermined by a scattered screenplay.

Fans praised

  • Dennis Quaid's powerhouse, multi-dimensional performance
  • Captures the modern competitive agriculture world and Iowa heartland
  • Engrossing, intense family drama with a documentary-like honesty

Detractors panned

  • Messy, illogical script with contrived events and plot holes
  • Unlikable characters whose moral crimes go unpunished
  • No clear point or satisfying resolution—feels pointless

What stands out

Acting75

Dennis Quaid's committed, layered turn as a flawed salesman-father; Efron shows growth in a limiting role

Cinematography70

Beautiful, windswept Iowa landscapes; sometimes video-like digital sheen

CharactersDivisive45

Thin secondary characters; unsympathetic leads with shallow arcs

Pacing45

Slow burn that drags before a rushed third act

Emotional impactDivisive40

Dark and depressing; fails to land catharsis for many viewers

Originality40

Formulaic family drama tropes despite fresh setting

Plot and storyDivisive35

Disjointed structure, contrived twists, unresolved subplots

EndingDivisive30

Fudged resolution with unpunished crimes leaves many unsatisfied

Preferred by

Women vs men

Preferred by Men

Men scored it 13 points higher than women.

No notable difference between the other groups: each pair ranks it within 10 percentile points.

  • Critics vs users 3 points apart
  • US vs non-US 2 points apart

Watch experience

What is At Any Price like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Dark and unsettling: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you are ready for heavy feelings, and you want something dark that stays with you.

It leaves you haunted. Skip it when you want an easy night.

ToneFeelDemandwhat the answer rests onexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

Room for heavy feelings.

What it feels like

Dark and unsettling.

The answer rests on this: Moods
TenseMelancholic
Heaviest: middle
Register
Brooding: Heavy, inward, weather-beaten.Solemn: Grave and dignified; treats its subject with weight and respect.
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film treats its characters' moral compromises with gravity, never undercutting the drama.
The rideThe mood is consistently tense and melancholic, with the emotional peak likely during the crisis and conflict in the middle of the film.
StructureThe story unfolds chronologically, following Henry and Dean's parallel arcs.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Haunted.

The answer rests on this: Haunting · 14% of filmsUnsettling
Why it leaves you this wayThe unresolved moral compromises and the cover-up leave a lingering unease.
How it ends · evidence
Bittersweet ending

Story archetype

where it sits among all films
Monster — 21% of films. A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated.Rags — 3% of films. A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition.Quest — 10% of films. A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles.Voyage — 4% of films. Into a strange world and back again, changed.Comedy — 11% of films. Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony.Tragedy — 9% of films. A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin.Rebirth — 13% of films. A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed.Mystery — 7% of films. A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered.No archetype — 22% of filmsPredator — 6% of films. A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).Tyrant — 6% of films. A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).Invasion — 2% of films. An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).Oppressive state — 2% of films. A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).Corporate villainy — 1% of films. A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).Institutional injustice — 1% of films. A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).Class system — under 1% of films. The gap between rich and poor, or a rigid hierarchy, is the monster (Parasite).Technology turns — under 1% of films. Technology people rely on becomes the threat (The Terminator).Inner demon — 1% of films. The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.Underdog triumph — 2% of films. Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).Social ascent — under 1% of films. A climb in class or status (Pretty Woman).Fame and fortune — under 1% of films. An artistic or showbiz rise (A Star Is Born).Rise and fall — under 1% of films. Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).Hidden worth revealed — under 1% of films. The protagonist's true value finally recognized.Treasure hunt — 1% of films. Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).Rescue — 4% of films. Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).Mission — 5% of films. Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).Journey home — under 1% of films. The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).Pilgrimage — 1% of films. The journey itself transforms; the destination is symbolic.Portal fantasy — under 1% of films. Transported into another world (The Wizard of Oz).Fish out of water — 2% of films. Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).Survival ordeal — 1% of films. Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).Time displacement — under 1% of films. Unstuck in time (Back to the Future).Descent — 1% of films. A night-journey into an underworld or subculture (After Hours).Romantic comedy — 4% of films. Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.Comedy of errors — 3% of films. Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.Farce — 2% of films. Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).Buddy comedy — 1% of films. A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).Comedy of manners — 1% of films. Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).Hubris — 1% of films. Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).Obsession — 2% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Corruption arc — 2% of films. Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).Doomed love — 2% of films. Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).Crushed by fate — 3% of films. Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.Redemption — 3% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Healing — 5% of films. Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).Liberation — 2% of films. Breaking free of a confining life (Room).Second chance — 2% of films. A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).Puzzle — 1% of films. A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).Investigation — 5% of films. A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).Enigma — 2% of films. The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).Tragedy
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 21%: Predator 6% · Tyrant 6% · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 2% · Corporate villainy 1% · Institutional injustice 1% · Class system under 1% · Technology turns under 1% · Inner demon 1%
  • Rags 3%: Underdog triumph 2% · Social ascent under 1% · Fame and fortune under 1% · Rise and fall under 1% · Hidden worth revealed under 1%
  • Quest 10%: Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 4% · Mission 5% · Journey home under 1% · Pilgrimage 1%
  • Voyage 4%: Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 2% · Survival ordeal 1% · Time displacement under 1% · Descent 1%
  • Comedy 11%: Romantic comedy 4% · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% · Buddy comedy 1% · Comedy of manners 1%
  • Tragedy 9% (this title): Hubris 1% · Obsession 2% · Corruption arc 2% (this title) · Doomed love 2% · Crushed by fate 3%
  • Rebirth 13%: Redemption 3% · Healing 5% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 2%
  • Mystery 7%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22%

Tragedy: A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin. · Corruption arc: Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).

9% of films fit this archetype

Why this archetypeThe film follows the moral decline of a farmer who compromises his values for wealth and land, leading to tragedy.

What it's about

7 groups · 53 themes
Bonds — 27% of filmsSelf — 22% of filmsPower — 7% of filmsMorality — 16% of filmsSurvival — 15% of filmsSociety — 9% of filmsIdeas — 5% of filmsRomantic love — 15% of filmsMarriage — 2% of filmsFamily bonds — 21% of filmsParenthood — 2% of filmsFriendship — 9% of filmsLoyalty — 4% of filmsIdentity — 14% of filmsComing of age — 5% of filmsAging — under 1% of filmsSelf-worth — 7% of filmsAmbition — 7% of filmsPurpose — 9% of filmsMemory — 3% of filmsObsession — 3% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Power — 2% of filmsCorruption — 3% of filmsGreed — 3% of filmsClass — 3% of filmsOppression — 4% of filmsFreedom — 5% of filmsJustice — 13% of filmsDuty — 2% of filmsRevenge — 4% of filmsGuilt — 3% of filmsRedemption — 6% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Forgiveness — 1% of filmsSacrifice — 4% of filmsBetrayal — 5% of filmsDeception — 9% of filmsSurvival — 17% of filmsWar — 1% of filmsViolence — 4% of filmsMortality — 2% of filmsGrief — 6% of filmsTrauma — 7% of filmsMental illness — 1% of filmsAddiction — 1% of filmsIllness and disability — under 1% of filmsCommunity — 14% of films. Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Isolation — 5% of filmsPrejudice — 3% of filmsDisplacement — 1% of filmsFaith — 3% of filmsTradition vs change — 2% of filmsFame — 3% of filmsLegacy — 4% of filmsFate — 1% of filmsFree will — under 1% of filmsTruth — 4% of filmsHope — 5% of filmsNature — 2% of filmsArt — 4% of filmsTechnology — 1% of filmsSelfFamilybonds
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27% (this title): Romantic love 15% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% (this title) · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% · Loyalty 4%
  • Self 22%: Identity 14% · Coming of age 5% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 7% (this title) · Purpose 9% · Memory 3% · Obsession 3%
  • Power 7%: Power 2% · Corruption 3% · Greed 3% · Class 3% · Oppression 4% · Freedom 5%
  • Morality 16%: Justice 13% · Duty 2% · Revenge 4% · Guilt 3% · Redemption 6% · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% · Betrayal 5% · Deception 9%
  • Survival 15%: Survival 17% · War 1% · Violence 4% · Mortality 2% · Grief 6% · Trauma 7% · Mental illness 1% · Addiction 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 9%: Community 14% · Isolation 5% · Prejudice 3% · Displacement 1% · Faith 3% · Tradition vs change 2% · Fame 3% · Legacy 4% (this title)
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 4% · Hope 5% · Nature 2% · Art 4% · Technology 1%

Bonds

Family bondsAmbition · 7% of filmsLegacy · 4% of films
Mourns its theme: Grieves its theme, or what has been lost of it.Intimate stakes: Consequences reach a person or a household.Dual lead
How it treats its themeThe film explores the strained relationship between a father and his rebellious son as they navigate a family business crisis.
StanceThe film mourns the strain on family bonds as ambition and crisis drive a wedge between father and son.

The world

ContemporaryRuralDomesticRealistic
Orchestral classicalFolkSupportive music · original score · Dickon Hinchliffe
Settinga family farm in the American Midwest
MusicThe score likely underscores the rural setting and emotional tension with a blend of orchestral and folk elements.

Content guide

Is At Any Price okay for kids?

R

At Any Price is rated R: “Rated R for sexual content including a strong graphic image, and for language” (MPAA). As of March 15, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at mild (33/100), sexual content at moderate (45/100), language at moderate (50/100), drug and alcohol content at mild (33/100) and frightening material at minimal (0/100). Its violence, language, drug and alcohol content and frightening material have too few votes to rank.

Ratings in 5 other countries
  • UK18
  • CanadaR
  • AustraliaR18+
  • Germany12
  • Denmark15
Overall
Moderate · all five categories
not ranked
Violence & Gore
Mild
too few votes to rank (2 votes)
Sex & Nudity
Moderate · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 45%
Profanity
Moderate
too few votes to rank (2 votes)
Alcohol & Drugs
Mild
too few votes to rank (1 vote)
Frightening / Intense
None / Minimal
too few votes to rank (1 vote)

Point along a line to see a well-known title at that level.

Too few votes to rank this title overall (17 votes across 5 categories; ranking needs 10 in at least three).

Source: Midcredits content scores, 0 (none) to 100 (severe) per category, with each standing ranked against other films that have them.

What content warnings does At Any Price have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in At Any Price?

Cast

2 of the cast already had the standing of a top-10% working actor.

Dennis Quaid
as Henry Whipple
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Zac Efron
as Dean Whipple
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Kim Dickens
as Irene Whipple
Clancy Brown
as Jim Johnson
Veteran: 15 or more years in, with as much work as the typical long-career actor.
Maika Monroe
as Cadence Farrow
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
newcomer then · star now
Heather Graham
as Meredith Crown
Veteran: 15 or more years in, with as much work as the typical long-career actor.
Red West
as Cliff Whipple
Chelcie Ross
as Byron
Stephen Louis Grush
as Torgeson
First film: No prior film role; they had worked in television.
Ben Marten
as Brad Johnson
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.

Crew

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What are movies like At Any Price?

Movies like At Any Price include Joji (2021), The Iron Claw (2023) and The Rookie (2002). Of the 12 closest matches, half are sports underdog stories, and several are stories about estranged parents and children.

Balanced: every group counts the same, and production only breaks ties.

4 of these 12 share its feel: brooding. Those cards say what else they share.

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What else shares a premise, people or place with At Any Price?

1.3K other films share the rarest tag below, kind of film: sports underdog. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.