Union County by director Adam Meeks is a truthful and gentle depiction of a young man in rural Ohio, trying to make a living and getting back together with his ex-girlfriend while simultaneously participating in a court-ordered drug rehab program to stay out of jail.
Most of the additional cast in Union County were real people and scenes were filmed while events like drug court sessions actually happened, with the lead actor placed in between everybody else. We watched Union County and talked to Adam for Short Talks at Berlinale 2020. His film was also screened at Palm Springs International Short Fest as well as the Champs-Élysées Film Festival and right now you can watch it for free online on his website.
UPDATE: In 2026 the feature film version of Union County starring Will Poulter premiered at Sundance Film Festival - where we have watched and absolutely loved it.
Like the short film, the feature one was also shot primarily with real people in real locations. In addition, we see a more elaborately developed plot, though one that is still fundamentally based on the short version. Will Poulter plays the lead role so naturally that he also seems like someone who was plucked straight out of real life. One of the strongest films at Sundance 2026 and a major triumph for director Adam Meeks.
Watch Union County here for free:
More about Adam & Short Talks:
- Short Talks on YouTube
- Adam Meeks - Official Website
- Le Cinéma Club about Union County
- Full short film Union County on Vimeo
- Berlinale Shorts Blog about Adam Meeks