A new documentary titled *You Can See Everything* has garnered significant attention for its portrayal of Elizabeth Holmes, the former CEO of Theranos, who is currently serving a lengthy prison sentence for fraud. Directed by Nathan Fielder and Lance Oppenheim, the film offers an intimate glimpse into Holmes’s life during the final weeks before her incarceration, as well as her reflections on truth and deceit.
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Holmes, 42, is serving a 135-month sentence after being convicted in January 2022 of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, alongside multiple counts of wire fraud involving investors. The documentary captures the days leading up to her imprisonment in Texas, documenting her life with her partner, Billy Evans, and their young children.
During one particularly intense exchange in the near three-hour film, Fielder probes Holmes about her past dealings with investors in Theranos. He asks whether she ever misled these investors about the capabilities of her company’s blood-testing technology. Holmes’s response was striking; she maintained that she has never lied in her life. This assertion left Fielder visibly taken aback, leading to a follow-up where he inquired about less significant falsehoods, such as “white lies.” Holmes eventually admitted she may have told a few of those.
The dramatic nature of the documentary is heightened by Holmes’s ongoing attempts to justify her actions. Despite the evidence against her, which included testimonies from those who received inaccurate test results from Theranos—one patient reported a false positive for HIV—Holmes exhibits a steadfast belief in her own narratives. The documentary explores whether her actions stemmed from poor communication skills or a more manipulative disposition.
Holmes’s conviction has had severe repercussions. Besides her lengthy prison sentence, she and her former partner at Theranos, Sunny Balwani, have been ordered to pay over £370 million in restitution. The legal battle that unfolded saw Holmes acquitted of certain charges while the jury could not reach a verdict on others. This discrepancy adds a layer of complexity to her character and the overall narrative presented in the film.
Upon her release, Holmes is slated to transfer to a halfway house near Austin, Texas, in August 2027. Her partner, Billy Evans, remains supportive, continuing to advance their shared interests in medical technology despite the conviction. Evans is reportedly working on a new venture, a blood-testing company named Haemanthus, which is set to launch in 2024.
In the film, Fielder and Oppenheim strive to uncover the truth behind Holmes’s seemingly conflicting statements and her ability to navigate both her professional and personal relationships. As the documentary unfolds, it raises questions about accountability and the nature of deception.
*You Can See Everything* has become a talking point not only for its insights into the final days of a controversial figure but also for the broader implications it raises about the ethics of innovation and the responsibility of those who lead in the medical and technological fields.
With its combination of personal introspection and gripping documentary filmmaking, the film promises to leave audiences contemplating the nuances of truth and falsehood in high-stakes environments. Currently screening in cinemas across the UK, it serves as a reminder of the complex web of ambition, ethics, and the consequences of one’s choices.