Nathan Fielder, known for his satirical and comedic work, has turned his lens to one of the most notorious figures in recent business history. His documentary on Elizabeth Holmes, titled You Can See Everything, has become a surprise hit, drawing 2,000 sold-out shows during its limited theatrical release across the United States.
The nearly three-hour film premiered on 855 screens over the weekend, with audiences packing theaters to see a deep dive into Holmes's life before she reported to federal prison in 2023. According to Forbes, the documentary grossed an estimated $15 million in its opening weekend, and plans are already underway to expand into more theaters next week.
Holmes, the founder of Theranos, is currently serving time in federal prison for defrauding investors. She claimed that her company's blood-testing technology could run a wide array of diagnostic tests using just a single drop of blood—a promise that proved to be false. The Stanford dropout was once hailed as the next Steve Jobs, a comparison she actively cultivated, even adopting his signature black turtleneck.
The Theranos saga drew in high-profile investors, including media mogul Rupert Murdoch and former Education Secretary Betsy DeVos. The company's board also boasted former Secretaries of State Henry Kissinger and George Shultz, adding an air of legitimacy that helped mask the underlying fraud.
In 2024, federal regulators announced that Holmes had been banned from participating in federal health programs for 90 years. This means she will be ineligible to work for any entity receiving federal healthcare funding, with only limited exceptions. However, she may still be eligible to receive federal health benefits after completing her prison sentence.
Ramesh "Sunny" Balwani, Theranos's COO and Holmes's former boyfriend, was also excluded from federal programs for 90 years. Holmes has accused Balwani of rape, allegations that have added another layer of complexity to an already sordid tale of ambition and deceit.
Fielder's documentary arrives at a time when public fascination with Holmes remains high, and it offers a nuanced portrait of a woman who went from tech darling to convicted felon. The film's success underscores the enduring appeal of true-crime narratives, especially those involving the intersection of wealth, power, and betrayal.
As the documentary expands its reach, it is likely to reignite debates about accountability in Silicon Valley and the consequences of unchecked ambition. For now, audiences are flocking to see Fielder's take on a story that continues to captivate the nation.
