Led by a phenomenal performance by Cynthia Erivo as the brilliant criminal defence barrister, Tessa Ensler, Susanna White’s Prima Facie is a well-crafted court-room drama that isn’t covert in exposing weaknesses in the British legal system. Based on a play of the same name, White’s film is a harrowing assessment of the failures of UK laws and courts when it comes to cases of sexual assault, and the effects these failures have on the survivors.
Following Tessa as she effortlessly moves through the legal world at one of London’s oldest courts, her talents are always on display for us to see. She approaches trials with strategy, carefully plotting every move and waiting for an opportunity to go for the win. She gradually develops a relationship with her colleague Julian Brooks (Daniel Ings), a relationship that is swiftly shattered when Julian sexually assaults Tessa after a date. Feeling disturbed, betrayed and determined to ensure her abuser is punished adequately, Tessa decides to go public with the case. Forcing her to re-evaluate her faith in the entire legal system.
