"Union County" Debuts at Sundance, Explores Opioid Recovery with Unique Blend of Fiction and Reality

Adam Meeks' debut feature film, "Union County," an Ohio-set drama exploring recovery and rehabilitation, premiered in Sundance's U.S. Dramatic Competition, offering a nuanced look at the opioid crisis.

The film uniquely blends fiction and documentary elements. It stars Will Poulter as Cody Parsons, a young man navigating an opioid recovery journey, and Noah Centineo as his foster brother Jack, who faces the challenge of potential relapse within a court-mandated drug program.

Filmed On Location with Authentic Immersion

"Union County" was filmed on location in Bellefontaine, Ohio, director Adam Meeks' home state. The cast and crew deeply immersed themselves in a local recovery program, which includes court check-ins and interaction with counselors. Notably, Annette Deao, a real counselor from the program, portrays herself in the film, lending an unparalleled layer of authenticity.

Poulter emphasized the critical support from the Ohio recovery community during production. He noted that Adam Meeks' local background was instrumental in establishing trust, granting the team access to recovery rooms and insights into the program's progress.

"The film's production relied on the support of the recovery community in Ohio... Adam Meeks' local background helped establish trust, allowing access to recovery rooms and insights into the program's progress."

Adding to its documentary style, the film incorporates sequences featuring actual individuals in recovery appearing before a judge and recounting their experiences. These powerful scenes were filmed during real court meetings, with participants having the option to be on camera.

Immersive Preparation for Key Roles

To prepare for their roles, Centineo and Poulter dedicated months prior to filming to attending court meetings and interacting with counselor Annette Deao. The actors also participated in Narcotics Anonymous meetings, worked with a dialect coach, and lived on location in Ohio, fully immersing themselves in the environment and subject matter.

Redefining Perceptions of Addiction and Hope

Poulter highlighted the film's ambitious goal to redefine common perceptions of addiction and recovery. He underscored the film's focus on the hopeful aspects of recovery work happening in various settings, presenting a contrast to often-depicted bleak scenarios.

"Union County aims to redefine perceptions of addiction and recovery... highlighting the film's focus on the hopeful aspects of recovery work happening in various settings, contrasting it with commonly depicted bleak scenarios."

He further noted the inspiration derived from the drug court scenes, citing them as compelling examples of effective recovery programs that actively reduce relapse rates and provide vital support, thus challenging conventional narratives about addiction.

Centineo's Producing Role and Sundance Premiere

Noah Centineo also serves as a producer on "Union County" through his company, Arkhum Productions. He expressed a keen interest in producing independent films that feature distinct voices and challenging narratives. Centineo praised his co-star Poulter, recalling their previous collaboration on the film "Warfare."

"Union County" premiered at the Sundance Film Festival on January 25 and is currently seeking U.S. distribution.