Nathan Fielder’s new documentary, “You Can See Everything,” explores the story of Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes. The film looks into Holmes’ ability to captivate and influence those around her, a trait that has left many questioning her guilt. This exploration is particularly timely, as Holmes’ case continues to fascinate both the public and experts in fields like psychology and business ethics.
The Theranos Saga and Holmes’ Misstatements
During the height of Theranos’ popularity in 2015, a health reporter interviewed Holmes twice. The Food and Drug Administration had taken action against Theranos, forcing the company to stop offering most of its finger-prick tests. Holmes claimed that a new version of the blood sample container, known as the “nanotainer,” would address the FDA’s concerns, but this never materialized. This specific incident highlights Holmes’ pattern of making promises that lacked substance, further eroding trust in Theranos’ capabilities.
Holmes made several misleading statements during the Theranos saga. She claimed that Theranos devices were used by the military, that she lived alone, and that the company had endorsements from major pharmaceutical firms. An outside study showed that Theranos tests often gave “out of range” results, particularly for cholesterol tests. These misstatements were not isolated incidents but part of a broader strategy to maintain the illusion of Theranos’ success, even as evidence to the contrary mounted.
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The Film’s Artistic Approach and Its Impact
Fielder’s documentary treats Holmes’ misstatements as debatable, focusing more on her character and ability to convince people. This approach has led some viewers to question her guilt. Longevity influencer Bryan Johnson noted that many left a screening unsure of what to believe. The film’s ambiguity mirrors the complexity of Holmes’ persona, leaving audiences to grapple with the blurred lines between truth and manipulation.
The film’s artistic style, reminiscent of modernist works, presents various perspectives without coalescing into a single reality. This has sparked debates about Holmes’ partner’s intentions and the nature of her influence. Theranos whistleblower Tyler Shultz described Holmes’ ability to make people believe in her vision, even when faced with evidence to the contrary. Shultz’s insights provide a critical lens through which viewers can understand Holmes’ persuasive tactics and their real-world consequences.
The film’s portrayal of Holmes has sparked discussions about the nature of truth and the power of influence. As viewers, we are drawn to her eerie stare, caught up in her narrative, and left wondering about the boundaries between authenticity and honesty. This tension is further amplified by Holmes’ own claims, such as her assertion to Fielder that she has never lied in her entire life, which contrasts sharply with her documented misstatements.
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The Film’s Ambiguity and Its Consequences
One health reporter who interviewed Holmes in 2015 recalls her ability to make people believe in her vision, even when faced with evidence to the contrary. A notable example of this was Holmes’ presentation at the American Association for Clinical Chemistry meeting in 2016, where she showcased a jury-rigged prototype of the Theranos machine that failed to address the issues with the earlier model. This incident, described by the reporter, shows Holmes’ willingness to massage the truth to maintain her narrative.
The Power of Holmes’ Influence
A writer who experienced Holmes’ influence firsthand describes her ability to spin a narrative and make people feel like their work was changing the world. This power is so strong that even those who knew the truth about Theranos could be swayed by her words. Shultz, the Theranos whistleblower, described it to me in an interview in 2022, recounting how Holmes could make him feel that his work was meaningful, despite his knowledge of the product’s flaws. This personal account highlights the psychological depth of Holmes’ influence and its ability to override rational judgment.
The Theranos saga ultimately resulted in the company’s dissolution in 2018, leaving behind a trail of misstatements and unfulfilled promises. Holmes’ ability to manipulate and influence remains a cautionary tale, highlighting the importance of critical thinking and skepticism in the face of charismatic leaders.
