Will Poulter, Noah Centineo Star in Sundance Drama ‘Union County’
“Union County,” a poignant drama directed by Adam Meeks, explores themes of recovery and addiction. The film stars Will Poulter and Noah Centineo, both showcasing compelling performances. Set in the small town of Bellefontaine, Ohio, the film combines fictional storytelling with documentary realism.
Plot and Setting
The narrative follows Cody Parsons, played by Poulter, as he navigates his journey toward opioid recovery. His foster brother, Jack, portrayed by Centineo, grapples with his own struggles within a court-mandated drug program. The film captures the realities of addiction and recovery against the backdrop of rural Ohio, a community where the population is under 15,000.
Filming and Community Involvement
“Union County” was shot on location, allowing the cast to immerse themselves in the local recovery community. The filmmakers worked closely with counselors, including Annette Deao, who plays herself, providing authenticity to the film’s portrayal of recovery programs.
- Primary Filming Location: Bellefontaine, Ohio
- Community Involvement: Real recovery participants featured in court scenes
- Director: Adam Meeks
- Stars: Will Poulter as Cody Parsons, Noah Centineo as Jack
Unique Approaches to Recovery Narratives
Poulter emphasizes the film’s intention to reshape public perceptions of addiction. He believes that while the struggles associated with addiction are real, “Union County” also highlights hope and recovery. Centineo echoes this sentiment, noting the importance of responsible storytelling in films related to addiction.
Production Insights
Both actors participated in court meetings and Narcotics Anonymous sessions. This experience deepened their understanding of the support structures in place for those in recovery. The goal was to present a more nuanced view of addiction beyond traditional portrayals.
Premiere and Future Prospects
“Union County” premiered on January 25 at the Sundance Film Festival. The film is currently seeking distribution in the United States. Both Poulter and Centineo are enthusiastic about the feedback and potential impact of the film.
Conclusion
This project marks a significant effort toward representing the recovery journey truthfully. “Union County” aligns with a growing movement in independent cinema that seeks to tell difficult stories with authenticity and care.
