Shailene Woodley, known for her roles in “Divergent” and “Big Little Lies,” is set to star in a gripping new psychological thriller titled “Ultra.” This film, which is both written and directed by Victoria Negri, will portray themes of grief and personal transformation through the lens of ultramarathon running.
In “Ultra,” Woodley plays Eve, who, after suffering the tragic loss of her twin sister, enters the daunting Badwater 135 Ultramarathon. This extreme 135-mile race through Death Valley exposes her to scorching temperatures that can reach up to 54°C. As Eve faces the brutal physical and psychological challenges of the race, she becomes aware of a mysterious runner in white who relentlessly pursues her across the unforgiving terrain. This pursuit forces her to confront her deepest fears and ultimately discover her true strength.
Negri, drawing from her own experiences as a long-distance runner and director of the ultramarathon documentary “Personal Best,” describes “Ultra” as born from intense personal journeys. She reflects on her father, a distance runner paralyzed by a stroke, and how running became a means for her to process grief. “Tragic circumstances, for better or worse, are transformative,” she states, emphasizing how running serves as a metaphor for confronting emotional pain.
The film is produced by Savage Rose Films, with Mister Smith Entertainment handling international sales set to be launched at the 2025 AFM. WME Independent is responsible for U.S. sales.
“Ultra” is part of an extensive lineup for Woodley, who is also set to appear in Hulu’s “Paradise,” the Netflix thriller “Unabom,” and a Janis Joplin biopic where she will portray the iconic singer. Recently, she appeared in the action-thriller “Motor City,” which premiered at both the Venice International Film Festival and the Toronto International Film Festival.
Negri, with a background of impactful works showcased at notable film festivals, is represented by Entertainment 360 while Woodley is backed by CAA, Range Media Partners, and Shelter PR. As the film industry anticipates “Ultra,” its exploration of human resilience and the complexities of grief through the rigors of ultramarathon running promises to captivate audiences and spark meaningful conversations.