“You Can See Everything” has become the talk of the town, attracting eager audiences who flocked to theaters during its opening weekend to witness the captivating nearly three-hour documentary centered around Elizabeth Holmes, the disgraced Theranos founder. The film amassed over $15 million in ticket sales during its debut weekend, marking the second-largest opening for a non-musical documentary in domestic box office history, trailing only behind 2004’s “Fahrenheit 9/11.” Despite its limited release in just 855 theaters across Canada and the U.S., the film garnered widespread acclaim, boasting a remarkable 99% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a stellar 4.8 score on Letterboxd, setting a new record as the platform’s highest-rated movie.
Following the enthusiastic reception, glowing reviews poured in online, with viewers expressing awe and fascination. Comments such as “My mouth was agape for basically the entire last two hours,” from Letterboxd user James (Schaffrillas), and “Just an absolutely phenomenal crazy fever dream of a documentary,” by user vgoodatkissing, highlighted the impact of the documentary.
The premise of the documentary is simple yet compelling. Co-directors Nathan Fielder and Lance Oppenheim captured the lives of Elizabeth Holmes, her partner Billy Evans, and their children during the 34 days leading up to Holmes’s impending prison sentence for fraud. Renowned Toronto film critic Teri Hart described the theatrical experience of watching “You Can See Everything” in theaters as visceral, with audiences leaning in, gasping, applauding, and laughing throughout the screening.
The documentary’s trailer offers a glimpse into the unique dynamic between Fielder and Holmes, showcasing their unconventional communication style. Known for his provocative interviewing techniques and unconventional approach to storytelling, Fielder’s collaboration with Holmes created an intriguing on-screen chemistry that captivated viewers.
A24, the distributor and producer of “You Can See Everything,” continues to make waves in the film industry, backing acclaimed projects like Olivia Wilde’s “The Invite,” the Anthony Bourdain biopic “Tony,” and the groundbreaking horror film “Backrooms.” Hart commended A24’s commitment to working with visionary directors and writers, attributing the company’s success to its dedication to artistic excellence.
In a cinematic landscape often criticized for lacking originality, Hart emphasized the importance of films like “You Can See Everything” in sparking conversations and engaging audiences. The documentary’s thought-provoking narrative challenges viewers to reevaluate their perceptions of truth, leaving them with lingering questions and a sense of shared experience.