Shailene Woodley Stars in Thriller Ultra Inspired by True Events

LOS ANGELES, CA – Actor Shailene Woodley will lace up her running shoes for the upcoming thriller, Ultra, directed by Victoria Negri. The film, inspired by true events from Negri’s life, showcases Woodley’s talents and her passion for activism.

Woodley, widely recognized for her roles in the Divergent series and Big Little Lies, plays Eve, a character who is grieving the loss of her twin sister. In July, she will tackle the infamous 135-mile ultramarathon through California’s Death Valley, a challenging race designed to test the limits of even the most seasoned runners.

Negri, an ultramarathoner herself, shared that the film reflects her own experiences, particularly her father’s struggle after being paralyzed by a stroke. “Running, the thing that gave him life, was taken from him,” said Negri. This theme of confronting grief through physical challenges runs throughout the film.

As Eve competes in the ultramarathon, she battles not only the harsh elements of the desert but also her internal struggles. Reports indicate that a mysterious runner, dressed in white to cope with the extreme heat, slowly closes in on her, adding another layer of tension to the storyline.

Negri has an impressive background in ultramarathons, having completed four 50-mile races, including the Badwater 51-miler and two 100-milers. She stated that she created Ultra to explore how running can help individuals process grief. “It’s through testing my limits in each of these epic races that I process loss … Although my grief is always with me, I’ve learned I’m strong enough to handle it,” she said.

With this film, Negri aims to shift the narrative surrounding the Badwater 135, as previous depictions have only appeared in documentary form. Ultra is set to provide a fresh perspective on both the grueling race and the emotional journey of its lead character.