“You Can See Everything” has become a must-watch film that has captivated audiences without giving away any spoilers. The documentary, which delves into the story of Elizabeth Holmes, the founder of Theranos and a convicted fraudster, drew large crowds to theaters during its premiere weekend, raking in over $15 million in ticket sales. This achievement marks the second-highest opening weekend for a non-musical documentary in domestic box office history, trailing behind 2004’s “Fahrenheit 9/11.”
Despite being shown in a limited number of theaters, only 855 across Canada and the U.S., “You Can See Everything” received glowing reviews following its release. The film garnered a remarkable 99% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes and scored a 4.8 on Letterboxd, making it the highest-rated movie in the platform’s history.
Audience reactions poured in online, with praises 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,” as mentioned by user vgoodatkissing.
The premise of the documentary is simple yet captivating. Directed and produced by Nathan Fielder and Lance Oppenheim, the film follows a film crew as they document the lives of Elizabeth Holmes, her partner Billy Evans, and their children in the 34 days leading up to her prison sentence for fraud.
Film critic Teri Hart described the theatrical experience of watching “You Can See Everything,” noting how viewers leaned in towards the screen, gasped, applauded, and laughed throughout the showing. The documentary’s intense and uncomfortable interviews, reminiscent of Fielder’s work on “Nathan for You,” coupled with Holmes’s unique communication style, create a mesmerizing viewing experience.
Distributed by A24, the same company behind other notable films like Olivia Wilde’s “The Invite,” the Anthony Bourdain biopic “Tony,” and the horror film “Backrooms,” “You Can See Everything” further solidifies A24’s reputation for collaborating with visionary filmmakers. Hart highlighted A24’s distinctive brand of working with auteurs and directors known for their strong artistic vision.
The documentary challenges viewers to rethink their perceptions of truth, leaving them with thought-provoking questions and ideas. As Hart expressed, the film’s ability to spark discussions and curiosity among audiences contributes to the excitement of cinema culture.
Overall, “You Can See Everything” has succeeded in engaging audiences and reigniting conversations about storytelling and truth, making it a significant addition to the cinematic landscape.
