Cynthia Erivo, the British-Nigerian actress and singer, is promoting her latest film, *Prima Facie*, a legal drama that shines a spotlight on the challenges faced by sexual assault survivors within the justice system. The film, adapted from Suzie Miller’s acclaimed one-woman play, arrives in UK cinemas on November 13 and in Australia on January 14.
In *Prima Facie*, Erivo portrays Tessa, a rising barrister known for expertly defending men accused of sexual assault. The story takes a dramatic turn when Tessa herself becomes a victim of assault by a colleague, forcing her to confront the harsh realities and systemic challenges victims encounter in court. The narrative highlights the difficulties of securing convictions in sexual assault cases, with statistics from Rape Crisis cited: one in four women experience sexual assault, yet only 2.7% of reported rapes result in charges.
Erivo said the role required her to make Tessa’s story her own rather than follow the acclaimed 2022 stage performance by Jodie Comer, emphasizing respect for the original while acknowledging their separate interpretations. Drawing on Miller’s background as a former barrister, Erivo explained that the film addresses the often unrealistic demands on victims to recall trauma with strict precision in court — an expectation Tessa herself underestimated until her own experience.
The actress expressed hope that the film will stimulate broader discussions about consent and the legal treatment of sexual assault survivors. “One of the major issues is the way we view consent,” she said. “I hope that as this film filters out, we start to have a conversation not just among us as people, but within law.” She stressed that consent should be unequivocal and based on clear communication and awareness.
Erivo’s own journey from South London to international acclaim parallels aspects of Tessa’s rise within the legal world. Having attended the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA), Erivo faced financial hardship and systemic barriers often linked to class and race. She recalled her struggles juggling multiple jobs to pay tuition and described how institutional misunderstandings at RADA reflected broader inequalities. Since 2024, she has served as vice-president of the academy, aiming to address these challenges and foster a more inclusive environment.
Her early career included breakthrough roles on stage, notably the critically praised 2015 Broadway production of *The Color Purple*, as well as television appearances and key film roles such as *Widows* (2018). Later, she portrayed prominent historical figures, including Aretha Franklin and Harriet Tubman. Erivo acknowledged ongoing debates in the entertainment industry regarding casting of Black British actors in roles associated with African American history, expressing empathy for related concerns but emphasizing shared struggles faced by Black actors across different backgrounds.
Erivo also reflected on her recent rise in mainstream fame following the 2025 film *Wicked: For Good*, a sequel to the 2024 film adaptation of the hit musical *Wicked*, in which she portrays Elphaba opposite Ariana Grande’s Glinda. The film became the highest-grossing musical adaptation, but the intense public and media scrutiny of their friendship led to uncomfortable speculation and sexist commentary. An incident at a Singapore red carpet event, where Erivo took quick protective action when a prankster approached Grande, became a flashpoint in discussions about race, gender, and respect in the public eye.
Despite these challenges, Erivo remains focused on pushing artistic and personal boundaries. She described her career approach as one of continual growth, driven by the desire to explore new facets of herself and her craft, even when it involves discomfort. Balancing this demanding schedule with a disciplined lifestyle, including veganism and regular health routines, she underscored the importance of resilience in sustaining her work.
*Prima Facie* marks another significant milestone in Erivo’s career, combining her commitment to powerful storytelling with a timely examination of issues surrounding justice and consent.