Each week, Annette Deao, a counselor specializing in drug dependency, visits a county jail in rural Ohio to provide incarcerated individuals with an opportunity to pursue recovery. On a particularly sunny day, she encounters Cody, a young man who approaches her with hesitation, expressing his willingness to make a change. “His self-esteem is at an all-time low,” noted Will Poulter, the British actor portraying him. “He struggles to accept himself, which makes it difficult for him to take the necessary steps towards improvement.”

Directed by Adam Meeks, who hails from Ohio, “Union County” artfully portrays a real-life drug recovery court in Bellefontaine, Ohio, where participants engage in long-term treatment programs and undergo daily sobriety tests. While the film features Poulter and Noah Centineo as siblings striving for sobriety, much of the supporting cast consists of first-time actors sharing their authentic, often challenging, narratives of recovery. This blend of scripted drama and documentary-style storytelling creates a profoundly impactful viewing experience, largely due to Poulter’s authentic portrayal of his character.

“From the beginning, it was evident that Adam aimed to create a film that engaged with the community rather than merely depicting it,” Poulter shared during a Zoom conversation just days before the film’s release in the U.S. “The priority was to respect the recovery process and not disrupt the journeys of the participants. That respect is likely why they were so open with us.”

Traditionally, Hollywood has struggled to accurately represent addiction, often focusing on superficial aspects as seen in films like “Beautiful Boy,” “Ben Is Back,” and “Hillbilly Elegy.” After viewing Meeks’s thoughtful short film from 2020, which also featured local participants from Bellefontaine, Poulter felt confident that “Union County” would treat the subject matter with the seriousness it deserves. “Addiction in film often highlights despair and negativity,” he remarked. “What stood out to me about Adam’s vision was his emphasis on the program’s successes. With over a 50% success rate, it was important to spotlight that achievement.”

Since his breakout role as a child actor in the 2007 British comedy “Son of Rambow,” Poulter has evolved from mainstream teenage roles in films like “We’re The Millers” and “The Maze Runner” to more nuanced performances in auteur-driven works such as Ari Aster’s “Midsommar,” Kathryn Bigelow’s “Detroit,” and Alejandro Iñárritu’s “The Revenant.” He has also received Emmy nominations for his performances in the series “Dopesick” and “The Bear.” Poulter’s dedication is evident in his rigorous preparation, including chef training for “The Bear” and a demanding workout routine for “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3.” Recently, he has also explored diverse roles, including appearances in a Haim music video and “I Love Boosters,” as well as guest judging on “RuPaul’s Drag Race vs. The World.”

“Union County” showcases Poulter’s remarkable ability to embody his character’s struggles. At the film’s outset, Cody appears fragile and withdrawn, expressing a profound sense of confusion about his situation. While other actors might overplay the role, Poulter’s understated performance effectively conveys the character’s quiet resilience: though he lives in his car, he makes an effort to maintain his belongings, washing and hanging them to dry in a makeshift setup.

With Meeks’s keen eye for detail, “Union County” effectively balances its moments of hope with a sense of realism. Among the first-time actors, Deao stands out, playing a compassionate yet firm counselor who becomes a surrogate parent to Cody as he navigates his recovery journey. “When Annette tells him, ‘I’m really proud of you,’ it marks the first time he’s ever experienced that kind of affirmation,” Poulter explained.

“Many individuals in their mid-20s have never been given that kind of support,” he continued. “Yet, society holds them to the same standards as those who have regularly heard expressions of love. We need to recognize the stigma associated with people in these situations.”

The experience of filming the movie was emotionally intense. “It was quite heavy,” Poulter remarked. “I can’t imagine how Annette manages to do this work every day. As an actor, I was simulating these emotions, but I returned home each night, while the actual participants are engaged in an 18-month program where recovery is an ongoing process. My experience pales in comparison to theirs.”

Despite assurances from Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a recent report revealed that the Trump administration has cut over $1 billion in federal funding allocated for mental health and addiction services. “Such rollbacks are devastating to me, as they reflect a persistent stigma and misinformation surrounding addiction,” Poulter stated. “People often do not extend the same compassion to those struggling with substance use disorders as they do to those facing other mental health challenges.”