Cynthia Erivo Praises ‘Prima Facie’ Intimacy Coordinator for Helping Her Reach ‘Darkest Places’

In the wake of the #MeToo movement, intimacy coordinators have become a crucial part of the film and television industry to assist actors in navigating sensitive sexual and intimate scenes. In the film "Prima Facie," directed by Susanna White and based on Suzie Miller's Tony-winning one-woman play, actress Cynthia Erivo played the role of Tessa, a defense barrister in England who, through her career, rose from a working-class background to become highly respected at her firm, often representing defendants accused of sexual assault.

Erivo's character faces a challenge when she has a consensual date with her co-worker, Julian, which then becomes a sexual assault. This traumatic experience leads her to question if she has contributed to a system that allows abuse to go unchecked.

At the Toronto International Film Festival, Erivo praised the intimacy coordinator for "Prima Facie," Lizzy Talbot, for her support in guiding her and co-star Daniel Ings through the difficult rape scene. Erivo described the process as navigating from intimate and loving interactions to the "darkest places," but also highlighted how the coordination allowed them to recover from the darker experiences.

Daniel Ings also expressed his initial doubts about portraying a character who commits violent sexual assault, acknowledging the physical intensity and emotional challenge. Despite his initial concerns, Ings believed in the importance of telling the story with the right team, ultimately deciding to take on the role bravely.

Director Susanna White praised both Erivo and Ings for their powerful performances, especially in depicting how many women who experience assault are often assaulted by someone they trust. She explained how the early part of the movie revolves around a seemingly romantic relationship that gradually takes a disturbing turn. "Prima Facie" has been acquired by Sony Pictures, and a release date is yet to be announced.