Cynthia Erivo stars as Tessa in a film version of Suzie Miller’s acclaimed play ‘Prima Facie’. The story centers on a criminal defense barrister who becomes the victim of sexual assault.
Erivo’s portrayal of Tessa brings a different energy to the role compared to Jodie Comer’s performance in the acclaimed West End and Broadway productions, according to TheWrap. Comer won Olivier and Tony awards for playing Tessa.
The film adaptation of ‘Prima Facie’ was shown at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) in 2026, according to a report from Devdiscourse. At TIFF, the film received mixed reviews from critics and audiences alike. The world premiere took place on Sept. 13 at Roy Thomson Hall.
The play was originally a one-woman show that presented the story through Tessa’s subjective experience. In the play, the audience is placed directly in Tessa’s mind, experiencing her thoughts and emotions without outside interference.
The film version shifts this approach by introducing other characters and perspectives into the narrative. This change alters how the audience processes the story’s message about believing victims of sexual assault. TheWrap noted that the stage version treats the audience more like a jury while the movie turns the audience into a witness.
Director Susanna White directed the film with a focus on themes of justice and trauma, Reuters reported. The visual style of the movie uses a cold palette to contrast Tessa’s life before and after her assault.
Erivo’s performance is praised for its dignity and emotional depth in portraying Tessa’s journey. Supporting actors Noma Dumezweni and Toheeb Jimoh help bring additional layers to the story through their roles as Tessa’s family. Dumezweni plays Tessa’s mother while Jimoh plays her brother.
The film explores how class and race intersect with issues of justice in the legal system. Miller’s original play focused on class dynamics among barristers, while the film adds a dimension of racial identity.
Tessa’s character is shown to have come from a working-class background that she hides from her colleagues. The film adaptation introduces this complexity through Erivo’s performance and the roles of her supporting cast.
In the story, Tessa defends men accused of sexual assault, often making the victims appear unreliable in court. She believes in the legal system even when it fails to protect those who are vulnerable.
After her own assault by a colleague named Julian, Tessa finds herself inside the same system she once defended. She makes choices that mirror those of other women who have been silenced in court. Daniel Ings plays Julian.
The film’s pacing is slower than the play’s fast-moving structure, which changes how the audience experiences the story. Some critics note that this pacing makes the plot feel predictable and less emotionally immersive. TheWrap specifically said the slower approach can telegraph where the story is going.
Director Susanna White said she felt intimidated by the play’s success, while Erivo said she hoped the film would start important conversations. The film also emphasizes the importance of involving men in discussions about consent and accountability. Writer Suzie Miller said men have a role in explaining the nuances of consent and sexuality to younger men.
Erivo’s performance has drawn attention for its strength and emotional honesty. The movie is considered a powerful adaptation despite some changes from the original stage version.
It remains a compelling look at how trauma and justice intersect in the courtroom. The film’s ending introduces a new note of hope, which differs from the play’s more direct message. TheWrap described that added element of hope as welcome but blunt.
Audiences and critics are divided on whether these changes enhance or dilute the original story. The adaptation of ‘Prima Facie’ is seen as a significant step in bringing important social issues to mainstream cinema.
Cynthia Erivo’s involvement has sparked renewed interest in the themes of consent and legal justice. The film had its world premiere at TIFF and does not yet have a confirmed U.S. release date. It is scheduled to screen at the BFI London Film Festival in October. Embankment Films is handling worldwide sales and is co-representing U.S. rights with UTA Independent Film Group and CAA Media Finance.
IMAGE: Time’s Up event at the 2018 Tribeca Film Festival (Tribeca Talks: Time’s Up). A series of talks/performances about Time’s Up/sexual harassment.
Cynthia Erivo during the Reclaiming the Narrative panel.. Photo: Rhododendrites / Wikimedia, taken 2018-04-28, CC BY-SA 4.0