
It’s surprising how well Poulter’s career path actually suits this role. He’s been a strong supporting actor for years, and it feels like the right time for him to take on a leading part. In Union County, he plays Cody Parsons, a man battling addiction who enters rehab instead of going to prison. His younger brother, Jack (Noah Centineo), is also in the program and helps Cody get a job with him at a lumber yard. While Poulter doesn’t quite disappear into the world of non-actors, that actually works for the character. Cody is from the area β we soon learn he has a sister (Emily Meade) nearby trying to live a normal life despite her family’s issues β but there’s a stiffness to him, as if he’s still learning how to navigate everyday life. Poulter perfectly captures this with his expressive face and observant eyes, making Cody seem like someone constantly trying to understand the world around him. Itβs a subtle performance, filled with quiet observation and a withdrawn posture that embodies Cody’s shame. It’s hard not to feel sympathy for him.