Noah Centineo and Will Poulter Set Out on a Recovery Road Trip in First ‘union County’ Image

Sundance Film Festival: A Look at ‘Union County’

As Sundance prepares to reveal its 2026 lineup, the festival is not only pulling back the curtain on a slate of diverse and compelling films but also highlighting a significant addition. Among the titles set for premiere in Park City and Salt Lake City from January 22 through February 1, 2026, is Adam Meeks’ ‘Union County’. This high-profile addiction drama marks an important moment for both the director and stars involved.

Noah Centineo and Will Poulter in Recovery Road Trip

The first image released from the film showcases a disheveled Noah Centineo staring out of the window, while driving alongside Will Poulter. This snapshot is more than just an aesthetic choice; it encapsulates the essence of recovery and reflection that the movie aims to explore. Centineo and Poulter’s on-screen dynamic in ‘Union County’ serves as a reunion for the actors, who previously co-starred as brothers-in-arms in A24’s grounded war drama Warfare.

The Context of Recovery and Addiction

Central Ohio is not just a setting but also a critical backdrop to the narrative. The film is set at the height of the opioid epidemic, which has affected countless lives across the United States, particularly in regions like Central Ohio. This context adds layers of authenticity and urgency to the story, as it follows Cody Parsons (played by Poulter), who navigates the challenges of a drug court recovery program.

Production Details and Industry Reactions

‘Union County’ is a feature adaptation of Meeks’ 2020 short film of the same name. The production has taken steps to ensure its authenticity, with locals involved in various roles, reflecting the community’s involvement in addressing this health crisis. Producers include Brad Becker-Parton, Stephanie Roush, Sean Weiner, Faye Tsakas, and Martha Gregory, while Centineo’s Arkhum Productions also provides support.

The film is set to premiere at the Sundance Film Festival in 2026, marking Meeks’ directorial debut.

For Poulter and Centineo, this project also serves as a reunion less than a year after their collaboration in Warfare. Both actors have been busy with high-profile roles since then, with Poulter gearing up for Boots Riley’s next feature, I Love Boosters, and Centineo set to play Ken Masters in the upcoming video game adaptation of Street Fighter.

The combination of a powerful story, strong cast, and timely production makes ‘Union County’ an exciting addition to the 2026 Sundance lineup. Fans of addiction dramas and those interested in exploring real-world issues through film will undoubtedly find this project compelling.