Will Poulter, the British actor known for his versatile roles, has taken on a challenging and deeply personal project in the new opioid drama, Union County. In this film, Poulter plays Cody, a young man struggling with addiction, and his performance is a testament to his ability to inhabit a character's skin. The movie, directed by Adam Meeks, is a poignant depiction of a real-life drug recovery court in Bellefontaine, Ohio, where individuals embark on long-term treatment programs with daily sobriety testing.
What makes Union County particularly compelling is Poulter's commitment to authenticity. He says, "It was clear to me from the outset that Adam wasn’t interested in making a film about a community as he was in making it with a community." This approach ensures that the film is not just a story about addiction but a genuine collaboration with the community it portrays. Poulter's natural-feeling performance captures Cody's quiet pride and the challenges he faces, making the audience feel invested in his journey.
The actor's dedication to the role is evident in his meticulous preparation. For his role in The Bear, he underwent rigorous chef training, and for Marvel's Guardians of The Galaxy Vol 3, he followed an intense workout regimen. However, his commitment to Union County was different. "I don’t know how Annette does the work on a daily basis. As an actor I was simulating these experiences and I went home every night, whereas the real participants are in an 18-month program and the work and recovery is never done," he reflects.
Union County is a powerful commentary on the stigma surrounding addiction. Poulter notes, "There are plenty of people in their mid-20s who have never had that kind of affirmation or support, and yet we hold them to the same standard as people who have been told they are loved on a regular basis." This highlights the societal misunderstanding and the lack of compassion often shown to those struggling with substance use disorders.
The film also sheds light on the political landscape surrounding addiction. Poulter criticizes the Trump administration's cuts to federal funding for mental health and addiction programs, arguing that these rollbacks are "devastating" and "informed by harmful stigma and misinformation." He believes that Union County can help move people to think differently about substance use disorder.
Poulter's dedication to independent film is also evident. He recently embarked on a road trip with Meeks and Deao to screen Union County at small movie theaters in Ohio, emphasizing the importance of local independent cinemas. "I love independent film more than anything," he says, "I want to maintain a relationship to independent film as long as independent film is happy to have me."
In conclusion, Union County is a powerful and thought-provoking film that showcases Poulter's ability to deliver nuanced and authentic performances. It is a call to action, urging viewers to reconsider their understanding of addiction and to advocate for more compassionate and effective treatment programs. Poulter's commitment to the project and his dedication to independent film make it a must-watch for anyone interested in cinema and social issues.
