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Prima Facie

Play trailer Prima Facie 2026 1h 46m Drama Crime Play Trailer Watchlist
Watchlist Tomatometer Popcornmeter
21% Tomatometer 14 Reviews Popcornmeter 0 Ratings
A young, ambitious trial lawyer (Cynthia Erivo) brilliantly navigates the ruthless London court system where she is unmatched in her defense of the accused, including men charged with sexual assault. Just as her career is taking off, a life-altering event forces her to reckon with her belief in the judicial system that was once the core of her identity.

Critics Reviews

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Robert Daniels Screen International Sep 19, 2026
Prima Facie struggles to feel truthful, or engaging. Go to Full Review Brian Tallerico RogerEbert.com Sep 17, 2026
Its messages are righteous, but they’re not conveyed cinematically enough to be a star witness. Go to Full Review Alison Willmore New York Magazine/Vulture Sep 15, 2026
Both she and Erivo ultimately run up against the limitations of the material, which ultimately treats Tessa not as a person but as a vehicle for certain themes. Go to Full Review Adam Courtliff InSession Film 4 days ago
C-
If Prima Facie sparks conversations around how sexual assault cases are handled and encourages meaningful change, its impact could extend far beyond its shortcomings as a movie. Go to Full Review Brooke Obie Black Girl Watching 6 days ago
Because [Erivo's Tessa] never wrestles with her earlier "belief" in the law and her actual complicity in the legal system that failed her, her big speech condemning the legal system [and the overall film] falls flat. Go to Full Review Dan Bayer Awards Watch Sep 17, 2026
B
Despite the film’s generic stylings, Cynthia Erivo’s shattering performance shines through, offering a vital light to survivors of assault everywhere. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Cast & Crew

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Susanna White

Director

Cynthia Erivo

Tessa Ensler

Daniel Ings

Julian Brookes

Toheeb Jimoh

Johnny

Noma Dumezweni

June

Elizabeth Dulau

Alice Sommers
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Prima Facie

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Movie Info

Synopsis A young, ambitious trial lawyer (Cynthia Erivo) brilliantly navigates the ruthless London court system where she is unmatched in her defense of the accused, including men charged with sexual assault. Just as her career is taking off, a life-altering event forces her to reckon with her belief in the judicial system that was once the core of her identity.
Director
Susanna White
Producer
Greer Simpkin, Kevin Loader, David Jowsey
Screenwriter
Suzie Miller
Production Co
Bunya Productions, Embankment Films, Edith's Daughter
Genre
Drama, Crime
Original Language
English
Runtime
1h 46m
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