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Documentary on Elizabeth Holmes' Final Days Before Prison Releases Trailer

A24's new film follows the Theranos founder's bizarre last month of freedom.

Gizmodo3 min

1Unprecedented access to scandal

The documentary 'You Can See Everything' provides intimate footage of Elizabeth Holmes' final 34 days before prison, captured by comedian Nathan Fielder who moved in with her. Directed by Fielder and Lance Oppenheim, the film represents a three-year investigative journey into Holmes' world. This marks the first cinematic deep dive into the personal aftermath of the Theranos scandal, with A24 distributing the 174-minute feature.

2Theranos' spectacular collapse

Holmes was sentenced to roughly 10 years in prison in May 2023 for defrauding investors through Theranos, her failed blood-testing startup. The company claimed to revolutionize healthcare with technology that could perform extensive tests from minimal blood samples. None of these claims were scientifically valid, despite Holmes' rise to Silicon Valley fame and billion-dollar valuations at the company's peak.

3Revealing trailer dynamics

The newly released trailer shows tense interactions between Fielder and Holmes, including her maintaining innocence despite overwhelming evidence. Holmes claims not to understand her imprisonment, having previously sought a pardon from President Trump. The trailer also features Fielder questioning Holmes' husband Billy Evans about whether he was another potential victim of her deception.

4Uncomfortable personal revelations

Fielder presses Evans, heir to a luxury hotel fortune, about whether Holmes targeted him for his wealth when they met in 2017. Evans dismisses concerns despite Fielder pointing to his family's resources. These exchanges reveal the psychological complexity surrounding Holmes' relationships even after her conviction, with the documentary capturing her continued denial of wrongdoing.

5Cinematic approach to true crime

The film blends documentary techniques with psychological thriller elements, evident in the trailer's unsettling tone. Early reviews highlight its unconventional structure and length (nearly 3 hours), suggesting a deeper character study than typical true crime fare. A24's involvement signals the project's artistic ambitions beyond mere scandal exploitation.

6Cultural timing and reception

Releasing during Holmes' incarceration, the film capitalizes on ongoing public fascination with Silicon Valley's dark side. The initial teaser generated significant buzz for its bizarre stare-down scene. Early festival screenings at Telluride have drawn attention for the film's strange, immersive qualities ahead of its October 16 theatrical release.

7Documentary's unique perspective

Unlike previous Theranos coverage, this project focuses on Holmes' personal psychology rather than just the fraud mechanics. Fielder's comedic background brings an unconventional approach to interrogating power and deception. The access granted provides unprecedented insight into how high-profile white-collar criminals rationalize their actions.

8Broader implications for tech culture

The documentary serves as a cautionary tale about Silicon Valley's 'fake it till you make it' ethos taken to criminal extremes. By humanizing Holmes while exposing her delusions, it prompts reflection on systemic factors enabling such frauds. The film's release coincides with renewed scrutiny of tech startup accountability and investor due diligence.

Original article: Gizmodo — Documentary on Elizabeth Holmes' Final Days Before Prison Releases Trailer