Ever since the trailer for Lance Oppenheim and Nathan Fielder's documentary You Can See Everything hit the internet, it's been impossible to look away. The image of Fielder locked in an unnerving stare-down with Elizabeth Holmes became an instant meme, but the film itself is far more than a viral moment. It's a daring, nearly three-hour exploration of truth, deception, and the stories we tell ourselves—and it's already being hailed as one of the most original movies of the year.
Holmes, once celebrated as the female Steve Jobs and the genius behind Theranos, saw her empire crumble when it was revealed her revolutionary blood-testing technology didn't work. She's been the subject of countless retellings, including the Emmy-winning Hulu series The Dropout with Amanda Seyfried. But You Can See Everything takes a radically different approach, putting Holmes front and center as she invites cameras into her life just weeks before reporting to prison.
A Documentary That Feels Like a Thriller
The film opens in spring 2023, with Holmes living in a modest Del Mar bungalow with her partner Billy Evans and their two children. Fielder, known for his cringe-comedy masterpieces Nathan for You and The Rehearsal, teams with Oppenheim to capture what Holmes insists is her side of the story. But from the start, the tension is palpable: Holmes is widely seen as one of the most notorious con artists of our time, and the filmmakers are clearly aware they're walking a tightrope.
Early scenes are deceptively mundane—Holmes and Evans bicker over eggs, she invites Fielder for a swim, and they watch The Dropout together for the first time. But beneath the domestic surface lies a deeper unease. Holmes and Evans are still pushing to revive Theranos's technology, a fact that's both baffling and chilling. And Evans, who initially seems like a devoted partner, reveals a controlling, even threatening side that complicates everything.
The Twist That Changes Everything
About halfway through, the film takes a turn that's impossible to spoil without ruining the experience. Suffice it to say, the documentary becomes two distinct movies in one, with a tonal shift that's as jarring as it is brilliant. The runtime—nearly three hours—feels justified because you're essentially getting two feature-length films, each with its own agenda.
What's most unsettling is how likable Holmes becomes. Despite Fielder repeatedly reminding her of her history, there's a part of you that wants to believe her. It's a testament to the filmmakers' skill that they can make you question your own judgment, even when you know the facts. This is the kind of movie that stays with you long after the credits roll, forcing you to confront how easily we're all fooled.
A Must-See for Documentary Fans
You Can See Everything has earned near-universal acclaim, holding a 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes and a Metacritic rating that places it among the best-reviewed films ever. It's already generating Oscar buzz, with some wondering if it could become the first documentary nominated for Best Picture. While that remains to be seen, there's no denying the film's impact.
For those who can't get enough of Holmes's saga, this is an essential companion to The Dropout. And for anyone who loves documentaries that push boundaries, it's a must-see. Just be prepared to question everything you think you know.
