Will Poulter and 'Union County' Team Tour Ohio for Addiction Recovery Film

British actor Will Poulter, writer-director Adam Meeks, and chemical dependency counselor Annette Deao are on a multi-day tour of Ohio to promote their independent film, “Union County.” The film, which portrays addiction and recovery, is being shown in independent movie theaters across the state.

What Happened

Poulter, Meeks, and Deao are traveling together in a Chevrolet Traverse, visiting various locations to promote “Union County.” Their tour eschews traditional Hollywood promotion, with no publicists or studio representatives accompanying them. The group has made stops at private residences, including a renovated barn and a garage used for storing movie props.

Background

“Union County” was made last year, with many individuals featured on screen not being professional actors but participants from a recovery program who shared authentic stories. Deao and Logan County Common Pleas Judge Kevin P. Braig also appear in the film, portraying versions of themselves. The film’s main narrative is fictionalized, focusing on foster brothers Cody, played by Poulter, and Jack, played by Noah Centineo, as they navigate recovery. The story was inspired by individuals Meeks encountered through Deao's program. Poulter, who previously appeared in “Dopesick,” was drawn to the film's focus on the human element of the opioid crisis and the possibility of achievable recovery.

Key Facts

• British actor Will Poulter, Ohio-born writer-director Adam Meeks, and chemical dependency counselor Annette Deao are touring Ohio.
• They are promoting their independently made film, “Union County,” which focuses on addiction and recovery.
• The film incorporates real stories and participants from an adult recovery court program in west-central Ohio.
• Poulter and Meeks are described as being over 6 feet tall.
• Annette Deao is the program director of an adult recovery court in west-central Ohio.
• The tour is visiting independent movie theaters across the state.
• Screenings have occurred at the Gateway Film Center in Columbus and The Nightlight in Akron.
• Poulter previously starred in the miniseries “Dopesick,” which also dealt with the opioid crisis.