‘You Can See Everything’ perfectly captures what a decade of post-truth has done to us

"You Can See Everything" aptly encapsulates the profound impact a decade of post-truth has had on society. This tech-world documentary, directed by Nathan Fielder and Lance Oppenheim, presents a captivating profile of Elizabeth Holmes, the disgraced CEO of Theranos. The film is filled with moments that elicit gasps, laughter, and even involuntary hand gestures from viewers.

One particularly resonant scene involves Fielder challenging Holmes about her history of dishonesty. In a deadpan moment, Holmes says something so unbelievable, it can only be viewed with skepticism. Fielder's astonishment, expressed with the line "Liz, what?!," resonates deeply in an era where powerful individuals openly disregard false narratives.

The film reveals how the post-truth era has left many Americans craving genuine human reactions to dishonesty. As the documentary follows Holmes and her husband, Billy Evans, during the final days before her 11-year prison sentence for defrauding investors, it highlights the various ways individuals can be disconnected from reality.

Fielder's investigation suggests that some dishonest people are sociopathic, while others may be less connected to reality on a neurochemical level. His skepticism serves as a clarifying representation of the challenges we face when reading the news in the post-truth era. The rise of partisan media outlets and the influence of social media platforms like Twitter have fractured public belief systems, making it clear that being factually accurate is no longer as important as simply appearing convincing.

This performance of total confidence is prevalent across various forms of mass communication, from wellness influencers with questionable knowledge to reality show contestants who are not genuinely seeking personal growth. In the tech world, the "con" culture is especially prevalent, where executives confidently describe AI futures that have not yet materialized.

This has led to the rise of "inevitability" boasts, urgency claims, and testimonials about transformative effects that require UBI. However, the film shows that tech executives rarely face genuine skepticism, tenacity, or a lack of blind faith from those who could challenge their outrageous assertions. As we confront the reality that power can come with the ability to impose one's perception of reality on the world, "You Can See Everything" reminds us of the importance of questioning and critical thinking in an era where truth has become elusive.