Telluride Film Festival Review: ‘You Can See Everything’ is One of the Most Jaw-Dropping Documentaries Ever Made

It is nearly impossible to explain why Nathan Fielder and Lance Oppenheim‘s You Can See Everything is one of the all-time documentary experiences without going into major spoiler territory. Hell, even Fielder himself, in the post screening Q&A here at the Telluride Film Festival, where it had a surprise World Premiere, stated “I’m struggling to this day to understand exactly what I experienced.” So, while I’ll do my best to explain why this is such a special work, just know that the experience is made even better by going in as blind as possible. I sat down only knowing that Fielder had made a 174 minute documentary about Elizabeth Holmes. Nearly three hours later, my jaw was on the floor and my breath had been taken away. This is not just one of the very best films at Telluride this year, it’s arguably one of the most stunning documentaries ever made.

You Can See Everything starts as one thing before becoming another. That latter half of the movie is something that shouldn’t be spoiled, though fans of Fielder will be delighted. The way this doc comes together, where it goes, and what it leaves you pondering are exactly what the form was made for. No one has done this quite like Fielder and Oppenheim have, though. This is very much a one of a kind work.

Beginning in the spring of 2023, Nathan Fielder is invited, along with a film crew, to essentially move in with disgraced Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes for the 34 days before she’s sent to federal prison for fraud. At the start, Fielder is just observing Holmes, her husband Billy Evans, and their children. In fact, Fielder and Oppenheim are skeptical that there’s a film here, wondering why they were even invited. Then, Fielder becomes fascinated with Holmes, her relationship with Evans, and the enigma that is their life. Pushing back on their claims of her innocence, Fielder can’t quite figure out what to believe. Then, Holmes reports to prison.

This is where I’d urge people not to find out anything that happens afterwards. This is where the three year descent into the abyss really takes off, with Fielder on a quest for the truth that goes to some literally shocking places. The shape-shifting nature of what we’re watching, as well as who we’re watching (and I’ll say no more about that) becomes utterly transfixing. For the second half of this doc, you may well forget to breath.

Elizabeth Holmes and Billy Evans initially don’t appear like notable subjects for a documentary. Then, things get weird, and don’t stop. Evans continually reveals chilling aspects of himself and personality, while Holmes has almost a shape-shifting effect, making it nearly impossible to determine if she’s been taken advantage of or is a complete sociopath. The more compelled Fielder is to figure them out, especially Holmes, the more captivating things get. Even before she goes to prison, a sequence where he shows the couple the classic Who’s On First comedy routine in order to try and make a point to Holmes absolutely will leave your jaw on the floor. Then, once she’s incarcerated, Fielder comes up with something that will be discussed for years to come, while Evans really starts to make your skin crawl. I’m dying to talk about it but determined not to ruin the experience for all of you.

Nathan Fielder and Lance Oppenheim have made one of the all-time great documentaries here. Just by following their curiosity, they stumble upon something that questions the very meaning of truth. The fact that Fielder and Oppenheim struggle to come up with a satisfying answer in the case of Holmes only makes this more compelling. Fielder’s confusion about her is a massive asset, especially as it drives him to lengths you’d never believe if you weren’t seeing it on the screen.

You Can See Everything is a masterpiece of the form. You’ve never seen a documentary like this before. Telluride was abuzz all weekend about what would fill the TBA slot on Sunday night, with some wild speculations, so there was a high probability that the reveal would be a letdown. Instead, not only did we see one of the festival’s most stunning works ever, it’s a documentary experience that I’ll never forget. Truly, I may think about this movie for the rest of my life.

SCORE: ★★★★