Prima Facie (2026): Cast, Story and Release Details

Prepared by Movies Dock Editorial

Cynthia Erivo stars in Prima Facie as Tessa Ensler, a successful British defence barrister whose confidence in the legal system is shaken after she is assaulted by a colleague. Directed by Susanna White and written by Suzie Miller, the drama examines justice, credibility and power through Tessa’s personal crisis.

Prima Facie is a 2026 drama led by Cynthia Erivo as Tessa Ensler, a brilliant British defence barrister working in London. Her professional identity is built around defending men accused of sexual assault and navigating a demanding legal system.

Prima Facie movie details

Story without spoilers

Tessa’s life changes when she is assaulted by a colleague connected to a powerful legal family. The experience places her on the other side of the arguments and procedures she once used in court, forcing her to confront how the system treats people who report sexual violence. As her confidence in justice breaks down, Tessa must work to recover her voice and sense of self.

What to expect

The film is a serious character-driven legal drama centered on sexual assault, consent, credibility and double standards. Its premise places a successful lawyer in a position that challenges her professional assumptions and personal sense of control. Viewers should expect mature subject matter involving sexual violence and its effects on an individual’s relationship with the justice system.

Cast and creative team

Cynthia Erivo plays Tessa Ensler. The cast also includes Daniel Ings as Julian, Elizabeth Dulau as Alice Sommers, Toheeb Jimoh as Johnny, Sarah Junillon as Phoebe and Elliot Levey as Thomas Buckley. Noma Dumezweni, Harry Treadaway and Simon Russell Beale are also featured. Susanna White directs, with a screenplay by Suzie Miller.

• Cynthia Erivo as Tessa Ensler
• Daniel Ings as Julian
• Elizabeth Dulau as Alice Sommers
• Noma Dumezweni
• Toheeb Jimoh as Johnny
• Harry Treadaway
• Sarah Junillon as Phoebe
• Elliot Levey as Thomas Buckley
• Simon Russell Beale

Release and production context

Prima Facie is listed as a 2026 release with a release date of November 13, 2026. It has a runtime of 1 hour 49 minutes and is classified as a drama. The film is associated with Australia and the United Kingdom, is spoken in English, and is produced by Bunya Productions and Embankment Films. It is based on a play or musical.

Production companies: Bunya Productions, Embankment Films

Prima Facie official trailer

Watch the official trailer on YouTube

Movies Dock view

With its legal setting and focus on sexual assault, Prima Facie is built around a direct challenge to ideas of consent, evidence and institutional trust. The film’s central perspective comes from a lawyer who must reassess the system she once defended, giving the drama a focused and personal premise.

Film data:
TMDB · IMDb