Cynthia Erivo’s ‘Prima Facie’ Trailer Released Ahead of November 13 Cinema Debut
Cynthia Erivo has established herself as one of the most celebrated performers of her generation, transitioning from Broadway successes to an Oscar-nominated role as Elphaba in ‘Wicked.’ With such momentum, expectations are understandably high for her upcoming projects.
Her latest film, which has been generating excitement since its festival debut earlier this month, adapts one of the most acclaimed stage plays of the last decade for the screen. Now, audiences can finally catch a glimpse of Erivo’s performance.
Sony Pictures has unveiled the official trailer for ‘Prima Facie,’ the film adaptation of Suzie Miller’s award-winning one-woman play, featuring Erivo as a rising trial lawyer whose life spirals after a deeply personal tragedy. The film is set to hit UK and Irish cinemas on November 13, following its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival earlier this month.
Directed by Susanna White and written by Miller, ‘Prima Facie’ tells the story of Tessa, a young, ambitious barrister who climbs from working-class roots to become a formidable defense attorney in London. Tessa has built her reputation defending men accused of sexual assault, but an unexpected event forces her to view the justice system from a completely different perspective.
Consent should never be on trial. Cynthia Erivo stars in Prima Facie, only in UK and Irish cinemas from November 13. #PrimaFacieFilm pic.twitter.com/7prBuk0CYo
— Sony Pictures UK 🎬 (@SonyPicturesUK) September 22, 2026
‘Prima Facie’ originally captivated theatergoers as a solo stage production, with Jodie Comer winning both a Tony Award and an Olivier Award for her performance in the title role on Broadway and in the West End. Comer’s run garnered four Tony nominations and numerous other accolades recognizing the play’s impact.
For the film, Miller expanded her original one-woman script into a fuller ensemble piece, adding Daniel Ings, Toheeb Jimoh, and Noma Dumezweni to the supporting cast. Erivo also serves as an executive producer through her production company, Edith’s Daughter, ensuring her creative involvement extends beyond her lead role.
Beyond the film’s emotional depth, Erivo has expressed her hopes for the story’s broader impact. “Things can feel like they’re permanent if no one does anything to shift or change them,” Erivo told Reuters regarding the project’s themes.
“The more we talk about it, the more we see it for what it is, the easier it will become for us to change things,” she added. This sentiment aligns closely with Miller’s motivations for writing the original play, which stemmed from frustration with how the legal system addresses sexual assault cases.
White, recognized for her work on projects like ‘Andor’ and ‘Woman Walks Ahead,’ has approached the film’s adaptation with a thoughtful visual strategy. Instead of merely filming a monologue, White has included point-of-view shots and immersive courtroom sequences to ground Tessa’s story in a more cinematic reality.
The production filmed at authentic London locations, including the Old Bailey and Lincoln’s Inn, adding a layer of realism to its legal backdrop. This project is a UK-Australian co-production between Bunya Productions and Embankment Films, with Sony Pictures managing distribution in the UK.
As ‘Prima Facie’ prepares to debut in UK and Irish cinemas on November 13, the film is generating buzz amid growing awards season discussions surrounding Erivo’s performance. A US release date has yet to be confirmed, leaving American audiences eager to find out when they can experience Erivo’s portrayal of Tessa.
With the strength of the source material and Erivo’s impressive track record, ‘Prima Facie’ is poised to become one of the most talked-about dramas of the season.
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