The Aporia
The Aporia
Standard, T. (2026, October 15). Prima Facie: Erivo is phenomenal but the film doesn’t quite reach its full potential. Evening Standard. https://www.standard.co.uk/culture/film/prima-facie-review-b1300992.html
Standard, The. “Prima Facie: Erivo is phenomenal but the film doesn’t quite reach its full potential.” Evening Standard, 15 Oct. 2026, https://www.standard.co.uk/culture/film/prima-facie-review-b1300992.html.
Standard, The. “Prima Facie: Erivo is phenomenal but the film doesn’t quite reach its full potential.” Evening Standard, October 15, 2026. https://www.standard.co.uk/culture/film/prima-facie-review-b1300992.html.
Dated from the outlet's own feed. Check the original for its byline.
Cynthia Erivo delivers a powerful performance as Tessa, a skilled barrister whose life is upended when she becomes a victim of sexual assault by her colleague Julian Brooks. The film Prima Facie, directed by Susanna White and based on a play of the same name, critiques the British legal system's handling of sexual assault cases. Released in October 2026, the movie highlights the systemic failures that prevent survivors like Tessa from getting justice. While Erivo’s portrayal is praised for its emotional depth and intensity, some critics argue that the film falls short on technical and creative elements despite its strong narrative and performances. The story unfolds primarily at one of London's oldest courts, emphasizing the setting's historical significance to the legal system in question.
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.
Forcing her to re-evaluate her faith in the entire legal system.
