Union County Review: Will Poulter Shines in an Unromantic Look at Addiction

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Don’t overlook the unique strength of using non-actors in films. Movies like Sound of Metal and Nomadland, which featured people from the deaf and nomad communities, and more recent films such as Sing Sing, where formerly incarcerated individuals were part of the cast, demonstrate how this approach can greatly enhance a film’s realism and authenticity.

Adam Meeks’ first film, Union County, tells the story of overcoming drug addiction, and is set in his hometown in Ohio. The film is based on a real drug court and follows Cody Parsons, who has just been released from prison and is beginning a court-ordered recovery program. Over the next 18 months, Cody will need to regularly meet with the judge, pass drug tests, and discuss his efforts to rebuild his life.

With support from his foster brother and friend, Jack, Cody manages to find a job and a bit of stability. The film, Union County, realistically portrays the often-unremarkable process of recovery in a small town. It focuses on everyday moments, where Cody and Jack go about their lives, and while you anticipate something dramatic, things usually remain quiet and uneventful. These seemingly small, slice-of-life scenes build towards moments of real impact, highlighting how both small wins and setbacks can pass by unnoticed.

I was really moved by Poulter’s performance. He plays Cody as someone who desperately wants connection but just can’t seem to let anyone in. Even when he starts to build something with Anna, who’s been through her own struggles and now helps others, he keeps a part of himself closed off. The movie slowly reveals Cody’s past – his brother’s addiction, a difficult relationship with his sister Katrina – and it becomes so clear that he’s carrying a lot of shame, and it’s really defining who he is.

The film handles its dramatic moments with a gentle touch, avoiding overly scripted scenes that might disrupt its realistic, observational style. While Union County isn’t without emotional impact, these moments feel earned and subtle. One scene, featuring Cody and his counselor Annette (played by real counselor Annette Deao), is particularly moving. It’s reminiscent of films like Debra Granik’s Leave No Trace, where supportive characters offer genuine kindness, yet acknowledge the depth and complexity of the central character’s struggles.

Throughout Cody’s recovery, the film thoughtfully observes the experiences of other people in the program who aren’t professional actors. Like the storytelling in films such as Nomadland and the group work in Sing Sing, they share their journeys in a circle. The camera often simply observes, letting us see their faces as they discuss their progress and changing self-perception. What’s most impressive about the filmmaker’s approach is its honesty; it doesn’t present recovery as simple or idealistic. While acknowledging the possibility of change, the film also realistically portrays the often slow and unremarkable process.

Union County was created with the support of participants in the 2025 Adult Recovery Court program in Bellefontaine, Ohio. Director Meeks handles the sensitive subject matter with care and compassion, and the film is particularly effective thanks to a standout performance by Poulter, along with beautiful cinematography by Stefan Weinberger and a moving score by Celia Hollander. Ultimately, the film offers a message of hope in a place where it’s truly needed.

Union County premiered at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival.

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2026-02-05 08:06