A New Addiction Film, Union County, Premieres Fri 8/14/26 in San Diego
By Tom Horvath
Keep in mind that I am reviewing this film based on the trailer and other promotional material, the IMDB.com listing, and comments made by reviewers and others who have actually seen this film. I think realistic films about addictive problems are an important educational and motivational tool (which is why I also support www.recoverymoviemeetups.com). We might have heard an idea 50 times, but perhaps with the 51st time, in a mutual help group or in a film, with a different emphasis or spin, it may sink in enough to promote meaningful change.
There are another two dozen screenings, beginning 8/5/26, in cities across the US, listed here: https://unioncounty.oscilloscope.net. The IMDB listing has 15 professional reviews. I assume that number is significantly high for an independent film. This film has screened at Sundance.
The story focuses on two brothers in a court-mandated drug treatment program in Union County (central Ohio, northwest of Columbus) with significant opioid problems. Their relationship with a dedicated drug counselor is a prominent aspect of the story. Many reviewers note the strong connection they felt with the characters, and how moved they were by Will Poulter’s lead performance. The director was born and raised in that county. I imagine his familiarity with his “hometown” gives him a deep motivation to create a meaningful film.
I hope that this film will emphasize not just the unfortunate decisions made by the drug-using characters, but also the circumstances and challenges they were faced with. In the US especially we can be quick to judge and label someone as “addict” or “alcoholic” without recognizing the burdens they carried and continue to carry. I support the term “change process” more than “recovery,” but I understand this film will use recovery. Whatever term you prefer (and there are others), changing usually involves active and persistent, often daily, effort. I expect will we see some memorable examples.
However this movie turns out, I look forward to talking about it (and another review is an option). Several of my professional colleagues and individuals associated with SMART Recovery San Diego will be attending the first screening, 8/14/26 at 7pm. I expect we will start talking in the lobby afterward, and if indicated for further discussion move to a nearby coffee shop (hoping to avoid the bars…). Feel free to join us!
Screening details and tickets here:
https://digitalgym.org/movies/union-county/
Director: Adam Meeks Run Time: 97 min. Release Year: 2026
Starring: Danny Wolohan, Elise Kibler, Emily Meade, Noah Centineo, Will Poulter
Synopsis: Assigned to a county-mandated drug court program, Cody Parsons (Will Poulter) embarks on the tenuous journey toward recovery amid the opioid epidemic in rural Ohio.
Director Adam Meeks stays close to home in his debut feature, setting this recovery story in his hometown. His roots plunge this film to a subterranean depth, operating with an authenticity that gives great dignity to this portrait of a community engaged in profound struggle. Lending gravitas to the cyclical patterns of recovery brings the audience into the quietude and frankness of the battleground with addiction, illuminating the triumphs and failures that unfold daily in the fight to stay alive and the even more audacious struggle to live fully. This connection to a specific place is supported by incredibly deft performances by Will Poulter (Glassland, 2015 Sundance Film Festival) and Noah Centineo. The leads embedded themselves in the community they portray for months and are joined on screen by local non-actors — a uniquely honest approach that lays bare consummately intimate truths.
Showtimes:
Friday, August 14, 2026: 7:00 PM
Saturday, August 15, 2026: 9:00 PM
Sunday, August 16, 2026: 3:00 PM
Monday, August 17, 2026: 4:35 PM
Tuesday, August 18, 2026: TBA
Wednesday, August 19, 2026: TBA
Thursday, August 20, 2026: 8:00 PM
Ticket Prices: $13 Regular / $11 Students & Seniors / $9 Members
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uA6Fnr2VXkw
