Theranos Founder Heads to Cinema
A new documentary follows Elizabeth Holmes in the weeks before her prison term, directed by Nathan Fielder and now showing in theaters.
By Bianca Herrera ·
Elizabeth Holmes is set to return to the public eye through a new documentary titled You Can See Everything. The film, currently playing in theaters across the Inland Empire, captures the former Theranos CEO in the 35 days leading up to her mandatory surrender to prison. For viewers, the movie offers a real-time look at Holmes and her partner, Billy Evans, as they prepare for their upcoming incarceration.
The documentary was co-directed by Nathan Fielder and Lance Oppenheim. Fielder is known for his work in comedy and reality television, including This Hour Has 22 Minutes, Nathan for You, and The Rehearsal. Oppenheim previously directed Prime Time, a narrative feature about the To Catch a Predator series. The film marks a departure from standard documentary formats by eliminating traditional sit-down interviews intercut with b-roll footage.
Instead, the camera follows the family as they live out their final days of freedom. The opening scene takes place in a beachfront cabin in San Diego. Holmes is seen with her baby, a moment that highlights the delay in her prison surrender caused by having two young children. Fielder appears in the footage, initially shown only in silhouette, and engages directly with the subjects while the action unfolds around him.
Fielder maintains a dry and understated demeanor throughout the filming. He acts as an observer and interviewer, often appearing stunned by the interactions with Holmes. The film captures the couple in a state of perpetual entrepreneurship, as they continue to pursue deals and discuss their vision. They appear to maintain a strong belief in the original promise of Theranos, which claimed to test patients for various ailments using a single drop of blood.
Holmes was found guilty of defrauding investors and sentenced to 11 years in prison. The documentary explores her current mindset as she transitions from CEO to inmate. In one notable exchange, Fielder asks Holmes if she has ever lied. She responds with visible shock, stating that she cannot imagine ever doing such a thing. Her answers to direct questions are often indirect, leaving both Fielder and the audience questioning her sincerity.
The second half of the film adopts a structure similar to the Hulu miniseries The Dropout. Amanda Seyfried, who portrayed Holmes in that series, joins Fielder in the narrative. Together, they attempt to determine whether Holmes is telling the truth or continuing her con. Both Fielder and Seyfried express suspicion toward Billy Evans, viewing his behavior as questionable. The central question remains whether Holmes believes in her own role or if she is simply performing it.
The filmmaking style draws comparisons to Andy Kaufman and Hunter S. Thompson. Fielder commits fully to his role as a satirist entering the reality of the story, similar to Kaufman. The approach also mirrors Thompson’s gonzo journalism, where the reporter inserts themselves into the story to influence its outcome. Fielder climbs through the window of the story rather than merely observing from outside.
The camera work relies heavily on close-ups, a technique designed to pull viewers into the intimate dynamics of the couple. This visual style gives the film a scope that the director believes is best suited for a large screen. The production encourages audiences to watch the film in a theater to fully experience the conversations and the visual framing.
The documentary is now available for wide release in the Inland Empire region. It provides a fresh perspective on Holmes’ life following her trial, focusing on her domestic life and ongoing business activities. The film serves as a companion piece to the existing public narrative, offering a different lens on the founder’s final days before beginning her prison sentence.
