Will Poulter Shines in ‘Union County’, a Sincere Look at Recovery Through the Drug Court System

Adam Meeks’ debut feature, ‘Union County’, expands on his 2020 short film to deliver a deeply rooted portrayal of addiction and rehabilitation within Ohio’s innovative drug court system. Rather than focusing on the familiar despair of the opioid crisis, Meeks spotlights a rare note of optimism — a program that treats substance abuse as a medical and social challenge rather than a moral failure. To preserve authenticity, the director cast several real participants, integrating documentary-style realism into the narrative.

The film opens with genuine footage of courtroom sessions, contrasting sharply with the introduction of British actor Will Poulter as Cody, a participant striving to rebuild his life. Poulter immerses himself so fully in the role that the boundary between fiction and reality almost dissolves. His restrained yet emotionally layered performance captures the daily grind of recovery — finding steady work, maintaining routines, and confronting inner turmoil. Noah Centineo plays Cody’s foster brother, offering quieter support but less emotional depth.

While ‘Union County’ deliberately avoids melodrama, its subdued storytelling sometimes risks being too minimal. The strongest moments arise from the real participants, whose heartfelt reflections on sobriety and rediscovery of emotion lend profound honesty to the film. Poulter’s nuanced portrayal ultimately justifies the use of narrative fiction by giving voice to complex interior struggles that a straightforward documentary might not convey. ‘Union County’ is both a quiet triumph for Poulter and a thoughtful exploration of compassion within a functioning rehabilitation system.