Nathan Fielder's latest documentary, "You Can See Everything," which chronicles the final weeks of Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes before her incarceration, has sparked discussion about manipulation, truth, and the difficulty of truly knowing another person. The film documents Holmes's life with her partner and children as she prepares to surrender to federal custody.
Ash Parrish, a writer for Kotaku, noted their prior exposure to Fielder's work through "The Rehearsal," finding his approach both fascinating and unnerving. Their knowledge of Holmes was limited to broad strokes from earlier documentaries and news surrounding her legal conviction for defrauding investors. Kenneth Shepard, also writing for Kotaku, admitted to avoiding much of Fielder's work due to secondhand embarrassment but was drawn into "You Can See Everything" by a trailer featuring Fielder directly questioning Holmes about deceit. This resonated with Shepard's personal experiences with pathological liars.
The Sympathetic Portrait
The film appears to present Holmes in a sympathetic light, a narrative that the movie itself acknowledges as potentially problematic. Shepard described feeling for the character of Elizabeth Holmes as portrayed on screen, noting Fielder's focus on how communication breakdowns can lead to significant misunderstandings. This is exemplified by references to the Abbott and Costello routine "Who's on First?" to illustrate hypothetical disconnects in interpretation. However, the film also raises questions about whether this portrayal is genuine or a calculated performance, particularly given the striking similarities in statements made by both Holmes and her partner, Billy Fielder.
Partner Dynamics and Trauma
Concerns are raised about Holmes's relationship with Billy Evans, described as a "red-pilled Silicon Valley fuckboy." The film explores the possibility that Holmes might be unaware of or complicit in Evans's actions, drawing parallels to unhealthy relationship dynamics. The possibility of Holmes having experienced trauma, including a past assault at Stanford, is also presented as a potential factor influencing her perspective and behavior, suggesting a "neurodivergent lens" through which she may see the world. This adds layers of complexity to whether she is a victim of trauma, a naive individual in over her head, or a pathological liar, or perhaps a combination of all.
The Role of Amanda Seyfried
Midway through the film, the narrative shifts as Fielder introduces Amanda Seyfried, who portrayed Holmes in the Hulu series "The Dropout." Seyfried's involvement transforms the documentary into a more overtly authored piece, allowing Fielder to explore his own thought processes and potential biases. Seyfried acts as a surrogate for the audience, engaging with Fielder's findings and confronting the complexities of Holmes and Evans's relationship. This segment delves into Evans's alleged manipulation and control over Holmes's image while she is in prison, a narrative that Fielder seemingly needed Seyfried's assistance to effectively communicate.
Unpacking the Title and Themes
The film's title, "You Can See Everything," is recontextualized through a conversation between Holmes and Fielder about the word "can," highlighting the difference between hypothetical possibility and actual action. Another interpretation suggests the title could be read as "Everything You Can See," implying a deliberate ambiguity. Ultimately, the documentary seems to underscore the futility of definitively knowing another person's true nature, suggesting that all perception is filtered through distorted lenses, whether intentional or not. The film leaves viewers with a sense of discomfort and uncertainty, emphasizing that while one might perceive much, true understanding remains elusive.
"You Can See Everything" is currently in theaters.