There's no sugarcoating the devastation of the opioid epidemic, which has claimed over 727,000 lives in the U.S. since 1999, according to the CDC. While series like Netflix's Painkiller and Hulu's Dopesick have tackled the systemic corruption behind the crisis, the upcoming film Union County zooms in on two individuals fighting for sobriety at ground zero. Starring Will Poulter and Noah Centineo, the drama offers a deeply personal look at recovery, and we've got two exclusive new images to share.
In the first image, Poulter's character Cody leans against the hood of his car, the gloomy lighting mirroring the storm inside him. He's not just an addict—he's the one who introduced his foster brother Jack (Centineo) to opioids. Now, after a court-mandated drug program, Cody faces an uphill battle with little support. The second image shows a glimmer of hope: Cody and Jack working together at a pallet factory, their bond still intact despite everything. As Poulter told us at Sundance, the film's authenticity comes from its deep roots in the Ohio recovery community, with many roles played by locals.
A Story of Brotherhood and Redemption
Director Adam Meeks, making his feature debut, adapted Union County from his own short film. The result earned a 94% on Rotten Tomatoes after its Sundance premiere, with critics praising the raw performances. Poulter, who earned an Emmy nomination for his role in Dopesick, brings a lived-in intensity to Cody. Centineo, meanwhile, steps away from his usual rom-com territory to play Jack, a man trying to keep his brother on the straight and narrow. The duo previously worked together on the war film Warfare, and their chemistry here is palpable.
The production immersed itself in the local recovery scene, building trust with residents. Poulter noted that this rare atmosphere made it easier to tell the story honestly. Union County releases in theaters on August 14. For more on the opioid crisis in media, check out our list of the heaviest movie trilogies of all time.
Authenticity Above All
Meeks cast mostly non-actors from the Ohio area, grounding the film in real experiences. Poulter described the trust built between the crew and the community as essential. "As an actor, you're given a really rare opportunity to be in this sort of rarefied atmosphere where you're trusted," he said. That trust allowed him to portray addiction with nuance, avoiding the clichés that often plague such stories. The result is a film that feels less like a movie and more like a window into a world rarely seen on screen.
For fans of intense drama, Union County joins a tradition of powerful storytelling. If you're looking for more, our ranking of the 2020s' 5 true drama masterpieces might be your next binge. And for those who appreciate period pieces, 'Mad Men' remains TV's most brilliant historical drama.
Stay tuned to ShowtimeSpot for more exclusive looks at the most anticipated films of the summer.
