Film debuts with strong box office performance

You Can See Everything, a documentary about the Theranos scandal, earned around 15 million dollars in its first weekend in the U.S., despite being shown in only 855 theaters. Directed by Nathan Fielder and Lance Oppenheim, the film is distributed by A24 and explores the rise and fall of Elizabeth Holmes, the former Theranos founder.

Theranos and Elizabeth Holmes’ story

Elizabeth Holmes, a Silicon Valley entrepreneur, was sentenced to 11 years and 3 months in prison in 2022 for defrauding investors. She created Theranos, a company that promised to revolutionize blood testing with a device that could analyze multiple health markers using just a single drop of blood. However, the technology never worked as claimed.

Documentary sets box office records

You Can See Everything has become the second-highest-grossing film in North America since its release. It also marks the best debut for a non-musical documentary since Fahrenheit 9/11 in 2004. The film’s trailer, released in September, went viral quickly, contributing to its popularity.

Oscars prospects and hybrid format

The film’s success has sparked discussions about its potential for Oscar nominations. While no documentary has ever been nominated for Best Picture, A24 is pushing for this milestone. The film’s blend of real interviews and reenactments, including Amanda Seyfried’s portrayal of Holmes, has sparked debate about whether it fits the documentary category.

Challenges in Oscar competition

Despite the film’s strong showing, its chances for a Best Picture nomination depend on the Academy’s willingness to accept its hybrid format. Other categories, like Best Direction, may be more challenging due to the limited number of nominees and the fact that the directing branch often favors fictional films. However, Amanda Seyfried’s performance is considered a strong contender for Best Supporting Actress.

French release remains uncertain

You Can See Everything does not yet have a distributor in France, and no release date has been announced. Its international success will depend on securing distribution deals in other markets.