Can Elizabeth Holmes Drop the Act?
Nathan Fielder follows the Theranos founder for a brilliant study of self-perception.
In the documentary "You Can See Everything," comedian and television producer Nathan Fielder spends 34 days with Elizabeth Holmes, the former CEO of Theranos, in an attempt to understand whether she is a master manipulator or someone who truly believes in her own genius. Fielder and director Lance Oppenheim gain access to Holmes, her children, and her partner Billy Evans, who professes an obsessive devotion to Holmes.
Fielder's intention is to uncover the truth about Holmes's reality-distortion field, similar to Steve Jobs' charisma and intimidating management style at Apple. The film explores Holmes's interactions with those around her, seeking kernels of authenticity amidst her seemingly fantastical promises. Holmes claims she has never told a lie, a statement that shocks Fielder and raises doubts about her honesty.
Evans plays an essential role in Holmes's new persona, which transitions from CEO to that of a loving mother and partner. He sometimes displays controlling behavior, reprimanding Holmes for not stirring eggs quickly enough, and attempts to shut down uncomfortable conversations. The close proximity between Fielder and Holmes's subjects becomes awkward as they are captured on camera, revealing their emotional turmoil and attempting to maintain a facade of normalcy.
The documentary provides a captivating fly-on-the-wall perspective of Holmes's world, followed by a second half that delves deeper into the relationship between Fielder and Holmes, as well as the influence of Evans. The film ultimately raises questions about how viewers can truly perceive the truth behind Holmes's carefully constructed image.
Written by urgent.news from The Atlantic's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
