![‘Union County’ Review: Will Poulter Is Sensational In An Addiction Drama That Avoids Sensationalizing [Sundance]](https://cdn.theplaylist.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/23152539/Union-County.jpg "‘Union County’ Review: Will Poulter Is Sensational In An Addiction Drama That Avoids Sensationalizing [Sundance]")
Addiction dramas can often lean hard on misery, but “Union County” looks more humane and lived-in: a story about sobriety, survival, and the support that keeps people from slipping through the cracks. The new trailer and poster have arrived for writer-director Adam Meeks’ feature debut, starring Will Poulter and Noah Centineo as brothers trying to rebuild their lives in rural Ohio.
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The film follows Cody and Jack Parsons, played by Poulter and Centineo, as they enter a court-mandated drug rehabilitation program in a region hit hard by the opioid epidemic. With help from a tireless counselor, played by Annette Deao, the brothers try to find a way forward after years of struggle, relapse, and uncertainty.
The film also stars Elise Kibler, Emily Meade, and Danny Wolohan, with a supporting cast largely made up of non-professional actors who draw on their own experiences with addiction, recovery, pain, and hope. That approach gives “Union County” a docu-realist texture, with Meeks aiming for a compassionate portrait of sobriety and the community support systems that make survival possible.
The Playlist reviewed the film out of Sundance earlier this year, calling Poulter “sensational” and praising “Union County” as an addiction drama that “avoids sensationalizing” its subject. The review singled out the film’s restraint and sincerity, noting the way Meeks builds Cody’s recovery through small, procedural details rather than easy melodrama.
“Union County” was produced by Brad Becker-Parton, Martha Gregory, Stephanie Roush, Faye Tsakas, Sean Weiner, Tim Headington, Theresa Steele Page, Ellyn Daniels, Will O’Connor, and Poulter. Centineo and Anita Gou executive produced. Ley Line produces the film, Burn These Words, Seaview, Arkhum Productions, Kindred Spirit, and Wait A While Films. The craft team includes cinematographer Stefan Weinberger, production designer Juliana Barreto Barreto, editors Weiner and Meeks, costume designer Lizzie Donelan, and casting director Taylor Williams.
“Union County” opens in theaters beginning August 14. Watch the trailer below.
