Prima Facie is a 2026 drama film directed by Susanna White and adapted by Suzie Miller from her 2019 stage play. The British-Australian co-production stars Cynthia Erivo, who also serves as a producer, with Daniel Ings, Simon Russell Beale, Elizabeth Dulau, and Noma Dumezweni appearing in supporting roles. The film premieres at the 2026 Toronto International Film Festival on 13 September 2026.
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Synopsis
Tessa has risen from a working-class background to be a confident and successful defence barrister. However, her confidence is shaken one night by the actions of a colleague.
Cast
Cynthia Erivo as Tessa Ensler
Daniel Ings as Julian Brooks
Simon Russell Beale as Hugh Dalton KC
Elizabeth Dulau as Alice Sommers
Noma Dumezweni as June
Toheeb Jimoh as Johnny
Harry Treadaway as Adam
Sarah Junillon as Phoebe
Elliot Levey as Thomas Buckley
Production
Greer Simpkin and David Jowsey are producers on the film for Bunya Productions, with Kevin Loader for Embankment Films. Suzie Miller, Susanna White, and Solome Williams are executive producers alongside Cynthia Erivo. The film is based on the Miller one-woman legal drama play of the same name which starred Jodie Comer.
Alongside Erivo, the cast includes Daniel Ings, Simon Russell Beale, Elizabeth Dulau, Noma Dumezweni, Toheeb Jimoh, Harry Treadaway, Sarah Junillon, and Elliot Levey. Principal photography took place in London in the autumn of 2025. Filming locations included The Old Bailey, Lincoln's Inn, and The Story Works.
Release
In November 2025, a Screen Daily article profiling producer Free Range Films revealed that Sony Pictures had pre-emptively acquired distribution rights to Prima Facie in several territories, notably the United Kingdom and Australia.
Prima Facie has its world premiere at the 2026 Toronto International Film Festival on 13 September 2026.