“You Can See Everything,” directed by Lance Oppenheim and Nathan Fielder, tackles themes relevant to today’s society. This film, a documentary with unique box office appeal and Oscar buzz, delves into the infamous Theranos scandal led by Elizabeth Holmes. It explores how Holmes attempts to reconstruct her life after being labeled as a major fraud in the business world.
Beyond the Theranos narrative, the movie addresses broader cultural challenges. It reflects on the pervasive “fake it ‘til you make it” attitude dominating business and startup sectors. The film considers what happens when aspirations extend into deceit, affecting multi-billion-dollar investments and compromising fields like medicine, foundational on the principle of “do no harm.” Questions arise about the discrepancy between beliefs in future technological achievements and their immediate viability.
Oppenheim and Fielder intentionally avoid deep dives into Theranos specifics, already scrutinized through media investigations and court cases. Instead, the film hinges on Holmes’s statement in 2023 to The New York Times, revealing insights into dishonesty or confusion. The filmmakers present Holmes’s interaction with skepticism, illustrated by Fielder’s discerning eye.
The limited filming in a San Diego guest house, possibly orchestrated by Holmes and her partner Billy Evans, raises questions. Their goal may have been to manipulate their public image before Holmes’s incarceration. This approach, akin to brand strategies, attempts to reshape narratives, potentially labeled as “docu-washing.” The movie portrays ambiguity in Holmes’s character, questioning whether she is a naive victim of manipulation or part of a calculated deceit. Similarly, Evans’s motivations, influenced by political affiliations, blur the lines between reality and pretense.
The latter half of the film critiques post-Holmes portrayals, including media like “The Dropout,” which reconstruct Holmes’s story with dramatic liberties. While dramatization is not medical malpractice, distorting true events raises ethical concerns. The film’s power lies in its scrutiny not only of Holmes and Evans but also of the grift economy and media’s role in shaping perceptions.
Though “You Can See Everything” presents a complex view of these modern issues, it acknowledges that visibility does not equate to understanding. The filmmakers’ adept approach reinforces the insight that perception needs critical assessment.
Ian Chaffee, a technology and startup media relations consultant in Los Angeles, appreciates the film’s exploration of contemporary themes. © 2026 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. This material is not for publishing, broadcasting, or redistribution.
Leave a Reply