Nathan Fielder Says He Felt Elizabeth Holmes Was ‘So Genuine’ When He Met Her and Had to Remind Himself ‘She’s a Liar’

Nathan Fielder’s compelling new documentary, *You Can See Everything*, co-directed with Lance Oppenheim, shines a light on the complicated personal life of Elizabeth Holmes, the founder of Theranos who is currently serving time in prison for fraud. The film is now showing in selected cinemas and offers an intricate portrait of Holmes in the lead-up to her incarceration, which began on May 30, 2023.

In a recent question-and-answer session at the New York Film Festival, Fielder shared insights about his experience while filming. He described it as a “weird experience” getting to know Holmes, who at times appeared genuinely sincere. However, those moments were often clouded by doubts about her credibility. “I remember thinking, ‘Okay, I know she’s a liar,’” Fielder reflected, emphasizing the internal conflict he experienced during the filming process.

Holmes, now 42, rose to fame with her ambitious vision for Theranos, claiming that she could transform health care by providing rapid diagnostic tests for a wide array of diseases using only a few drops of blood. Unfortunately, these claims were proven to be false, leading to her conviction on multiple counts of wire fraud and conspiracy. Holmes is currently serving an 11-year sentence, which could be reduced to nine years for good behaviour, and is expected to transition to a halfway house in August 2027.

The documentary features insights from Holmes as well as her partner, Billy Evans, and presents an intimate snapshot of their family life. Evans and Holmes have been engaged since 2018 and are parents to two young children. Their inclusion in the film provides a different context for understanding Holmes, depicting her as more than just a business figure but also as a woman dealing with profound personal challenges.

Fielder remarked upon the nuances of interactions that unfolded during the filming. He noted that many moments felt ambiguous, stirring deep discussions between him and Oppenheim about their interpretations of events. “It wasn’t until we started shooting that moments would happen — some of them are in the film — and then after Lance and I would talk about what we thought happened there,” he said. This exchange of contrasting viewpoints became a driving force in their creative process.

Co-director Oppenheim echoed Fielder’s sentiments, highlighting the “cognitive dissonance” present during their encounters with Holmes and Evans. Each participant in the film appeared to perceive events through vastly different lenses, prompting Fielder and Oppenheim to question what the true ‘story’ was. “If we can just try and get out of the way of this and capture this, then maybe there’s an interesting project to be made out of this,” Oppenheim explained.

Fielder described the experience of filming as surreal, with them sometimes feeling like uninvited guests in Holmes’ life. He suggested that Holmes may have perceived their presence as a way to humanise her story, creating a façade of normalcy amidst her legal troubles. “It’s so hard to speculate,” he said, reflecting on the intricate dynamics at play.

In a recent interview, Holmes described her imprisonment as “hell and torture,” revealing the emotional toll separation from her children has taken on her. “It shatters my world,” she remarked, showcasing her vulnerability amid a tumultuous backdrop. This personal struggle adds layers to the narrative presented in *You Can See Everything*, transforming it into a multifaceted exploration of identity, truth, and the impact of deception.

As audiences engage with the documentary, it prompts reflections on complex themes such as trust, ambition, and familial bonds. Holmes’ story, previously adapted into various formats, including Hulu’s acclaimed miniseries *The Dropout*, continues to captivate public interest. *You Can See Everything* aims to present a fresh perspective on her life, examining the intersection of personal and public realities during a period of profound upheaval.

The documentary is currently available in select theatres, offering viewers a chance to delve into the intricate psychological dynamics of one of the most controversial figures in recent business history.