Shailene Woodley stars in the gripping psychological thriller Ultra, which centers on an ultramarathon runner confronting grief. Set against the brutal backdrop of the Badwater 135 race in Death Valley, the film explores how personal loss shapes resilience and endurance.
Directed and written by Victoria Negri, Ultra draws on her own experiences as a long-distance runner and filmmaker. The project is being produced by Allison Rose Carter, Jon Read, and Iris Torres, with executive producers Lisa Ciuffetti, Andrew Kortschak, and Toby Halbrooks involved. Mister Smith Entertainment is managing international sales, launching the film at the 2025 American Film Market, while WME Independent handles U.S. sales.
A Tale of Endurance and Haunted Pursuit
The story of Ultra follows Eve, played by Woodley, who enters the punishing Badwater 135 Ultramarathon after losing her twin sister. The race spans 135 miles through the unforgiving desert where temperatures soar to 54°C, a test of both physical stamina and mental toughness. During the race, Eve notices a mysterious runner in white pursuing her relentlessly, intensifying her psychological struggle as she fights to outrun this ominous figure while confronting her inner darkness.
Victoria Negri explained the film’s emotional roots:
“Tragic circumstances, for better or worse, are transformative, and ‘Ultra’ is a film born from that experience,”
she said.
“My father was a distance runner, left paralyzed by a stroke. Running, the thing that gave him life, was taken from him. He suffered, and finally succumbed. While finding my emotional footing, I grew to become an ultrarunner, since completing two 100-mile races, numerous 50 milers and many marathons. It’s through testing my limits in each of these epic races that I process loss — physical pain being the greatest metaphor for the emotional. Although my grief is always with me, I’ve learned I’m strong enough to handle it, to handle anything.”
Negri continued to describe how running became a metaphor for coping: Ultra is propelled by her intimate journey, using the stress of ultramarathon racing to symbolize how grief is an unavoidable companion, whether beside us or fading in the distance, never truly escapable.
Woodley’s Expanding Career and Upcoming Roles
Besides headlining Ultra, Shailene Woodley is involved in several other projects that showcase her versatility. She will appear in the second season of Hulu’s political thriller Paradise in a recurring role. She was recently cast in Netflix’s Unabom, a thriller about Ted Kaczynski, and is set to star alongside Lindsay Lohan in Hulu’s Count My Lies, where she also serves as an executive producer. Additionally, Woodley will produce and play iconic singer Janis Joplin in an upcoming biopic. Recently, she co-starred with Alan Ritchson in the action-thriller Motor City, which premiered at both the Venice International Film Festival and the Toronto International Film Festival.
Victoria Negri’s Filmmaking Background and Industry Support
Victoria Negri’s feature debut, Gold Star, which she wrote, directed, produced, and starred in, included Robert Vaughn’s last on-screen performance. Her work has been showcased at Oscar-qualifying film festivals such as Austin Film Festival, Cucalorus, Hollyshorts, and Tallgrass. These credentials reinforce the creative depth behind Ultra.
Shailene Woodley is represented by CAA, Range Media Partners, and Shelter PR. Director Negri is represented by Entertainment 360.
The Emotional Power Behind Ultra and Anticipated Audience Impact
Ultra stands out as an intense and psychological exploration of grief through the lens of extreme endurance sports. It highlights how personal tragedy can push individuals to their limits, both physically and emotionally, and offers a compelling narrative about confronting loss in a relentless environment. The film’s impending release at the 2025 American Film Market and its provocative storyline position it to resonate deeply with audiences who appreciate character-driven thrillers infused with real emotional stakes.
