Union County: Standing Ovation for Will Poulter & Noah Centineo's Film
In a remarkable display of appreciation, Adam Meeks’ film "Union County" received an enthusiastic standing ovation during its premiere at the Eccles Theater in Park City on Sunday. This powerful drama features actors Will Poulter and Noah Centineo playing the roles of two brothers navigating their journey through drug recovery. Notably, the film was shot on location at an actual drug court in Ohio, and many of the supporting cast members were individuals actively participating in the recovery program.
The audience erupted in cheers for Annette Deao, a therapist who plays a significant role in the film, portraying emotional moments alongside Poulter. Her contributions highlight the real-life struggles and triumphs associated with addiction recovery.
During a Q&A session following the screening, Meeks shared his personal connection to the project. "I hail from central Ohio, where this story unfolds, but my family relocated when I was just six years old. It wasn't until 2016 that I began spending considerable time there again as an adult. I returned to care for my grandmother, and during that time, I rediscovered my affection for Ohio and its people. Concurrently, my extended family brought to my attention the devastating effects of the opioid epidemic on friends and loved ones. The situation was dire. My uncle introduced me to the drug court judge, who graciously invited me to observe a meeting. While I had been hearing about the grim overdose statistics, I was struck by witnessing individuals making progress and reclaiming their lives. The work being done by Annette and her colleagues is truly inspiring."
Before the screening commenced, Meeks took a moment to converse with Variety on the red carpet about how Poulter became involved in the film. "He first came across the script through his agent and reached out to us directly," Meeks explained. "After a Zoom call, I felt an immediate connection with him. We had that classic exchange at the end of our conversation where we said, ‘I’ll consult my team, and you consult yours.’ Just five minutes later, we offered him the part, and he accepted. It was a wonderfully organic and genuine interaction."
Deao also shared her insights with Variety regarding the shifting dynamics of the opioid crisis in the Midwest. "I genuinely believe the opioid epidemic is evolving," she remarked. "A significant factor is education. Awareness has grown, even among medical professionals, who now understand that continual prescriptions can lead to addiction. We're observing positive changes. Moreover, medication-assisted treatment is playing a crucial role in helping individuals recover from substance use disorders."
This film not only tells a poignant story but also sheds light on the ongoing efforts to combat the opioid crisis, prompting viewers to consider the complexities of addiction and recovery.
