Reported by 3 sources

The short version

  • The documentary 'You Can See Everything,' co-directed by Nathan Fielder and Lance Oppenheim, depicts Elizabeth Holmes in the final days before she began serving her prison sentence.
  • While some critics hail the film as an awards-season contender, others argue it offers little new information and allows Holmes to repeat her previous justifications without accountability.
  • The film follows earlier works like 'The Inventor: Out for Blood in Silicon Valley' and the fictionalized series 'The Dropout,' which presented different perspectives on the Theranos scandal.

A new documentary titled 'You Can See Everything' has sparked debate regarding its portrayal of Elizabeth Holmes, the disgraced founder of Theranos. Co-directed by Nathan Fielder and Lance Oppenheim, the film focuses on the final days before Holmes began serving her 11-year prison sentence after being convicted on four counts of fraud. The project aims to present Holmes’ side of the story, a perspective she sought after feeling misrepresented by previous media coverage, including Alex Gibney’s HBO documentary 'The Inventor: Out for Blood in Silicon Valley' and the Hulu miniseries 'The Dropout.'

Reception to the film has been polarized. Some critics have praised its surreal and absurdist style, with early reviews declaring it a potential awards-season darling. The directors’ approach emphasizes ambiguity, inviting viewers to interpret key scenes and engage in vigorous debates about Holmes’ character and motives. This stylistic choice has resonated with audiences who appreciate the film’s entertainment value and its departure from traditional documentary formats.

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However, not all reviews have been positive. Critics such as those writing for Ars Technica have expressed skepticism, arguing that the film lacks substantive insight into Holmes or the Theranos scandal. They contend that despite the directors’ claimed access, the documentary runs in circles without offering fresh revelations. Instead, it allows Holmes to repeat the same talking points and self-justifications she used during her trial, effectively dodging accountability by shifting blame onto others.

One major point of contention is whether the film blurs the view of Holmes’ deceit. Detractors argue that by presenting her narrative without sufficient critical distance, the documentary risks rehabilitating her image among viewers who may not be fully aware of the details of her conviction. The film’s title, 'You Can See Everything,' has been interpreted by some as ironic, suggesting that audiences can see whatever they want to see rather than an objective truth.

The Theranos case remains a significant chapter in Silicon Valley history. Holmes was once hailed as the youngest and richest self-made female billionaire, with her company valued at $9 billion at its peak. The collapse of Theranos, following accusations that its blood-testing technology did not work as advertised, led to a sensational trial and widespread scrutiny of startup culture. Previous media depictions have focused on the victims of the fraud and the systemic failures that allowed the deception to continue.

In contrast, 'You Can See Everything' centers on Holmes’ personal experience leading up to her incarceration. The film explores her interactions with Billy Evans, her former business partner, and delves into the financial arrangements surrounding the documentary’s production. Questions about whether Holmes and Evans were compensated for their participation have been raised by journalists investigating the film’s funding sources.

The debate over the documentary reflects broader tensions in how society processes high-profile fraud cases. Some argue that giving Holmes a platform is necessary for a complete understanding of the events, while others believe it legitimizes her narrative at the expense of those harmed by her actions. The film’s release has reignited interest in the Theranos story, drawing attention to both the legal outcomes and the ongoing cultural fascination with Holmes.

As the film gains traction, its impact on public perception remains uncertain. While it may not provide new factual information about the fraud, it offers a glimpse into Holmes’ mindset during a pivotal moment in her life. Whether this perspective adds value or merely sensationalizes her downfall is a question that critics and audiences continue to grapple with.

The documentary’s success at the box office and in awards circuits will likely influence how future projects approach similar subjects. For now, 'You Can See Everything' stands as a controversial entry in the canon of Theranos-related media, highlighting the complexities of storytelling when dealing with convicted criminals and their desire to control their narratives.

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