What is Adam Meeks' debut film premiering at Sundance?

Adam Meeks' debut film, "Union County," is premiering at the Sundance Film Festival.

How does "Union County" portray the opioid crisis and recovery?

"Union County" portrays recovery from the opioid crisis by featuring real drug court participants and actor Will Poulter in a story focused on dignity and community support.

What is the primary goal of the film "Union County"?

The film "Union County" aims to challenge the stigma surrounding addiction and reframe societal understanding of recovery by humanizing those affected.

Home / Arts and Entertainment / Sundance Debut: Real Lives in Opioid Crisis Drama

Sundance Debut: Real Lives in Opioid Crisis Drama

24 Jan

•

Summary

Debut film embeds real drug court participants.
Will Poulter stars, showcasing recovery amid opioid crisis.
Film aims to challenge stigma surrounding addiction.

Sundance Debut: Real Lives in Opioid Crisis Drama

Adam Meeks' debut feature, "Union County," earned a coveted spot at the Sundance Film Festival, marking a significant career milestone. The film, adapted from Meeks' own short, chronicles a young man's journey through a rural Ohio drug court program as he navigates recovery amidst the opioid epidemic.

What sets "Union County" apart is its integration of real-life participants from the drug court and its judge, who appear throughout the narrative. Actor Will Poulter stars as the protagonist, portraying a man facing the challenges of staying sober, a role that contrasts with his previous depiction of a pharmaceutical executive.

The project originated from Meeks' personal connection to his Central Ohio hometown and his observations of a community grappling with addiction. He was profoundly impacted by witnessing the holistic support system within the drug court, which countered prevalent negative statistics.