“The Price We Pay” is a thriller directed by Wayne Slaten starring Emile Hirsch and Vanessa Hudgens as the characters who turn into fugitive criminals following a failed pawn shop robbery. Taking refuge in a home they soon encounter looming malevolence that adds a dark and suspenseful tone, to the film raising moral dilemmas.
The movie effectively conveys the characters desperation and the repercussions of their choices with a focus on performances that bring depth to their roles. Hirsch and Hudgens skillfully navigate the shifts in their relationship dynamics while Stephen Dorffs portrayal amplifies the presence of the farmhouse owner. The initial scenic view of the countryside evokes a sense of suffocation enhancing the mood of the narrative.
Despite pacing issues and instances of clichés in the storyline the film compensates with depth and an intriguing setting that outweighs these drawbacks. Ultimately “The Price We Pay” prompts reflection on accountability and hidden darkness within individuals leaving viewers with lasting contemplations, beyond its viewing.”
