Elizabeth Holmes Doc 'You Can See Everything' Sparks Controversy & Partner's Defense

A24's highly anticipated and secretive documentary, "You Can See Everything," directed by Nathan Fielder and Lance Oppenheim, has finally been released, generating significant buzz since its surprise premiere at the Telluride Film Festival. The three-hour film chronicles the lives of Elizabeth Holmes, the convicted founder of Theranos, and her partner Billy Evans, offering unprecedented access in the days leading up to Holmes' 11-year prison sentence for fraud.

The filmmakers, including Fielder, were granted 24/7 access to Holmes and Evans' home, with Fielder even residing with the couple. Billy Evans later clarified on the "All-In" podcast that the primary motivation behind their participation was to allow the public to "see her and make up your own mind," especially as Holmes was prevented from speaking publicly about her case. They aimed to counter the "ossified narrative" surrounding her and hoped that by observing her in a natural environment, opinions would "radically shift," much like Evans' own friends and family had experienced.

However, Evans, who admitted to not having seen the film, acknowledged concerns that their decision might be "backfiring," with the documentary seemingly amplifying public backlash and distrust rather than mitigating it. He noted that even the chilling teaser trailer, which depicted Holmes' demeanor and claims of innocence, had disturbed viewers and suggested an "anti-Holmes bent" through its music.

The documentary blurs the lines between traditional investigative journalism and Fielder's signature meta-documentary style, often seen in his HBO series "The Rehearsal." A major revelation is the return of Emmy-winning actress Amanda Seyfried to portray Holmes in recreations of private conversations between Fielder and Holmes, and later, between Fielder, Holmes, and Evans. Seyfried's involvement extends beyond acting; she participates as herself to unpack her experience playing Holmes in Hulu’s "The Dropout" and the public's perception of that portrayal as factual.

Accompanying Seyfried, Christopher Abbott portrays Billy Evans in these re-enactments, including a crucial pre-filming meeting and a scene involving Holmes in prison. The use of A-list celebrities for these recreations elevates Fielder's unique approach, adding another layer to the film's exploration of truth, perception, and reality, especially when dealing with subjects like Holmes, whose sincerity remains inherently questionable.

Numerous moments within "You Can See Everything" have been described as "WTF" by viewers, highlighting the bizarre dynamics and revelations. Early in the film, an "Egg Moment" subtly showcases Evans' controlling nature as he takes over whisking eggs from Holmes, asserting she doesn't do it correctly. This is followed by a shocking "Billy Goes Full Frontal" scene where Evans is filmed showering naked, an uncomfortable display that hints at underlying issues and power plays.

Holmes herself presents a significant anomaly when she asserts to Fielder that she has "never lied in her life," not even a "little white lie," despite her conviction for defrauding Theranos investors. This profound disconnect from reality is further illustrated when Fielder attempts to make her recognize her intentionally ambiguous language about Theranos technology by showing her the "Who’s on First?" comedy routine. Holmes claims to find it funny but cannot articulate why, or see the correlation to her own evasiveness, leading Evans to defend her "beautiful view on the world."

Evans' controlling and at times confrontational behavior is a recurring theme. He aggressively interrupts an interview between Fielder and Holmes' father, particularly when the discussion turns to Holmes' ex-partner Sunny Balwani and her relationship with Evans. Another contentious point arises when it's revealed that Evans had requested payment from A24 for their participation, a request he later withdrew after filming, but one that raises serious questions about the project's credibility and whether Holmes was aware of his actions.

Further intensifying the controversial portrait of Evans, he is depicted posting from Holmes' verified X account, trolling people while posing as her online, and claiming power of attorney over Holmes, which deeply unsettles Seyfried. In a heated exchange, Evans lashes out at Seyfried for her comments about the recently assassinated Charlie Kirk, whose beliefs he openly supports. In a later visit, Evans reveals he is armed 24/7 and knows "ways to harm people," solidifying a more villainous portrayal.

The documentary also delves into the strange intimacy and awkwardness of Fielder's presence in their lives. The unique title of the film refers to an enigmatic text from Holmes to Fielder, "fyi you can totally see everything…," sent after they agreed to 24/7 filming, the meaning of which remains unexplained. Before Holmes reports to prison, Fielder awkwardly offers to leave so she and Evans can have sex one last time, and later gives her a "poor taste" prison gift of hair dye and sunglasses, joked as an escape kit, much to her parents' silent disapproval.

Holmes' own encounters with her public image are also highlighted; she finds watching Hulu's "The Dropout" (starring Seyfried) too challenging and turns it off. A surprisingly sweet, albeit awkward, goodbye between Fielder and a tearful Holmes before her incarceration suggests an unexpected emotional connection, culminating in a final reveal that they had gone swimming together, blurring the lines between professional and personal.

After Holmes' imprisonment, Evans makes further bizarre choices, including moving to a new house closer to the prison and acquiring several "creepy-crawly pets" like a blue Argentine tegu, a corn snake, and a tarantula, some of which are seen roaming freely. He also commissions an "AI Elizabeth," scanning her body and creating a lifelike digital version he can interact with on a large screen at home. The film concludes with Fielder attempting a prison phone call with Holmes, which Evans initially tries to block, fearing recording could lead to punishment for Holmes. Fielder ultimately recreates the call using Seyfried as Holmes.

"You Can See Everything" thus offers a deeply unsettling and complex portrait, not only of Elizabeth Holmes and her partner Billy Evans but also of the ethics and boundaries of documentary filmmaking. It raises profound questions about truth, manipulation, and how individuals construct and perceive their own realities, ultimately leaving viewers to grapple with the multifaceted and often contradictory nature of its subjects.