Documentary 'You Can See Everything' Becomes Major Hit with Elizabeth Holmes Story

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The documentary about Elizabeth Holmes, 'You Can See Everything,' achieved a $15 million opening weekend, marking the second-largest debut ever for a documentary film, driven by extensive access to Holmes and strong critical acclaim.

The documentary film "You Can See Everything," centered on the rise and fall of Elizabeth Holmes and her blood-testing startup Theranos, has quickly become a notable box office success. With an estimated $15 million in ticket sales during its opening weekend, it ranks as the second-largest opening weekend ever for a documentary. Despite playing in only 855 theaters compared to thousands for mainstream releases, the film has drawn widespread attention and experienced around 2,000 sellout screenings.

This nearly three-hour movie, co-directed by Nathan Fielder, known for "The Rehearsal," and Lance Oppenheim, gained early visibility at a secretive screening during the Telluride Film Festival. It offers exclusive, in-depth access to Holmes and her family during the final month before her incarceration for defrauding investors, an element that distinguishes it from previous coverage of Holmes’ story which includes books, podcasts, scripted series, and other documentaries.

Critics have warmly received the film, reflected in its 99% ratings on both Rotten Tomatoes and Metacritic, praising the interplay between Holmes and Fielder. The latter’s deadpan comedic style reportedly complements Holmes’ enigmatic persona, creating a compelling dynamic.

This documentary’s strong performance contrasts sharply with other recent technology-related films. For example, Aaron Sorkin’s follow-up to "The Social Network," titled "The Social Reckoning," earned $5.5 million in its opening weekend before quickly dropping out of the top ten. Similarly, Alex Gibney’s extensive four-hour documentary "Musk" struggled with wider audience appeal, earning just over $300,000.

Interest around "You Can See Everything" continues to surge, as even in Manhattan, ticket availability is notably limited, reflecting high demand. The film’s unique approach and privileged access provide a fresh lens on a well-known Silicon Valley scandal, drawing both public and critical intrigue as Elizabeth Holmes' story enters a new chapter through cinema.