A Canadian comedian, Nathan Fielder, is creating significant buzz with his new documentary focused on the Silicon Valley fraudster Elizabeth Holmes. The film, titled "You Can See Everything," had its world premiere at the prestigious Telluride Film Festival in Colorado over the recent weekend, quickly becoming one of the most discussed films of the season.
Elizabeth Holmes, the founder of the now-defunct biotechnology company Theranos, was convicted of fraud in 2022. Her company misled investors and the public regarding its ability to accurately detect numerous diseases using just a few drops of blood. A month prior to her incarceration in 2023, Fielder moved into her Southern California rental home, documenting her preparations for serving time in a Texas prison.
Media reports indicate that fans of the film waited for hours to secure access to the screening in Telluride. Those fortunate enough to enter the theater were requested to keep the film’s most captivating twists confidential. Initial reviews suggest that Fielder and his co-director, Lance Oppenheim, gained unprecedented access to Holmes and her partner, Billy Evans, granting viewers an intimate glimpse into her life.
Vancouver-born Nathan Fielder is known for merging comedy and reality in his projects, often blurring the lines between truth and fiction. His previous docu-comedy series, "The Rehearsal," investigates how far individuals will go to mitigate life's unpredictability. By utilizing actors and construction teams, he meticulously directs rehearsals designed to prepare people for significant life events.
Prior to his success, Fielder gained recognition on the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation’s (CBC) "This Hour Has 22 Minutes," where he starred in segments called "Nathan on Your Side." In these segments, Fielder portrayed an absurdist television reporter offering consumer advice on various products, such as winter tires, or engaging with children about their holiday wish lists.
Fielder is not the first to explore Holmes’ story through a cinematic lens. The downfall of Theranos has previously been examined in various projects, including "The Dropout," a TV series featuring Amanda Seyfried; "The Inventor: Out for Blood in Silicon Valley," a documentary by Alex Gibney; and "Bad Blood: Secrets and Lies in a Silicon Valley Startup," a book authored by investigative journalist John Carreyrou. Each of these works delves into the complexities surrounding Holmes and her fraudulent activities in different ways.
However, a short trailer released by distributor A24 alongside the Telluride screening suggests that Fielder's take on the controversial entrepreneur may be the most intense interpretation to date. The documentary is scheduled for release in October. The trailer provides a close-up shot of Holmes and Fielder gazing intently at each other. In a compelling exchange, Holmes asserts her sincerity, stating, "Why would I deceive you? There’s no—there’s no reason for me to do that." Fielder counters with a probing question, "You’re being real right now?" This prompts Holmes to respond confidently, "I am always being real," before the camera pans out to reveal her baby securely seated behind her.
