Prima Facie
Synopsis
A legal claim that has sufficient evidence to proceed to trial or judgement (“Prima Facie”).
Tessa (Cynthia Erivo) is a British defence barrister in the ‘pit’ of London's courtrooms – the ruthlessly competitive real-life theatre of war where nouveau-gothic beauty belies gladiatorial contests of law.
She is confident, witty and has the swagger of a winner. We are inspired by her enviable brilliance and determined journey from working-class origins.
While Tessa sympathises with those she cross-examines, she knows she has to poke holes in their stories in order to exonerate her clients. "The law is there to protect everyone. Protect those who accuse, protect those who are accused". She believes in the system. Tessa specialises in defending men against sexual assault charges, and she is formidably good at it.
But then Tessa is sexually assaulted by a brilliant young colleague - the son of a rich and powerful London lawyer. The tide has turned to crisis and she must fight to define herself.
All her legal knowledge and expertise doesn't keep Tessa from getting caught up in the system. Even as she recognizes the tactics of the defence being deployed against her in court, the very same tactics she had used countless times before, she begins to doubt herself, to doubt her own memory of events.
One moment, she is ‘master of her universe’, the next, she's drowning in the patriarchal legal quicksand she so supported. The once-imperious advocate, fast-tracking to stardom, is now vulnerable and exposed, her world descending into chaos.
It's in the quiet, intimate moments of Tessa’s journey that we learn, absorb, and cherish. The tender gaze of her mother in the courtroom, heartfelt conversations with friends about her vulnerability, and a silent nod of solidarity from a female cop – these are the moments when Tessa embodies every woman who feels isolated in conflict.
"Prima Facie" reminds us that in valuing truth, however heart-wrenching, we find beauty.
Director
Susanna White
Cast
Cynthia Erivo