What Is You Can See Everything About?
The premise of You Can See Everything in 312 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
In the days leading up to a prison sentence that will reshape her public image forever, infamous Silicon Valley entrepreneur Elizabeth Holmes opens her life to a documentary crew led by a filmmaker whose skepticism is matched only by her enigmatic charisma. What begins as an attempt to control her own narrative quickly spirals into something far stranger, as the camera captures not just a woman facing her past, but the uneasy dance between subject and observer.
The world around Elizabeth is one where fame, fall, and reinvention blur into a haze of carefully curated moments and defensive silences. Her partner, Billy Evans, stands firmly beside her, protective of the story they wish to share with the world. Yet behind the polished surfaces of their beachside life and ongoing ambitions, there is a quiet tension — questions about authenticity, loyalty, and the cost of being believed. The filmmaker, attuned to every gesture and hesitation, senses that the truth may be more slippery than anyone involved wants to admit.
As the countdown to incarceration ticks forward, the documentary becomes less about capturing a life and more about the unsettling reflections between a person and the image she has crafted. There is an almost hypnotic pull to Elizabeth’s insistence that her intentions were always pure, her voice steady even as the walls close in. But the presence of the camera introduces a destabilizing element — one that suggests the version of events being offered may be just another carefully constructed layer.
Tonal and meta in texture, the film casts a curious, lingering gaze on the nature of storytelling itself, where the line between confession and performance grows thin. What unfolds is not merely a portrait of a controversial figure, but a meditation on truth, perception, and the human desire to be seen on one’s own terms — even as history waits with open arms.
What Happens in You Can See Everything?
The complete story of You Can See Everything, from the first scene to the last, in 280 words (about 1 minute). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 3 cast member pages.
Spoilers ahead
Set in 2023, the film follows Nathan Fielder as he is granted exclusive access to Elizabeth Holmes and her partner, Billy Evans, during the 34 days leading up to Elizabeth’s eleven-year prison sentence for defrauding investors through her company, Theranos. The couple hopes that Nathan will help present a more “accurate” version of her story, particularly in contrast to the Hulu miniseries The Dropout.
During the production, Nathan Fielder explores Elizabeth’s rise and fall, her history at Stanford, and her relationship with Sunny Balwani. While Elizabeth claims she is being entirely honest, Nathan remains skeptical, especially when she asserts she has never lied. The dynamic between the couple is further explored as Billy Evans expresses his unwavering love for her, despite the fraud convictions.
The narrative takes a surreal turn when Nathan shares the footage with actress Amanda Seyfried. In a unique stylistic choice, Seyfried reprises her role as Elizabeth to re-enact scenes where the crew was unable to film. Through this process, it is revealed that Billy Evans attempted to negotiate payment for his appearance in the film and holds power of attorney over Elizabeth, raising concerns about potential exploitation.
As Elizabeth begins her incarceration in Bryan, Texas, she remains adamant that her blood-testing technology worked, blaming a later failure in the development process. Despite the controversies and the financial restitution she owes, Elizabeth insists that her bond with Billy is genuine. The film concludes with a reflection on trust and perception, noting that while Elizabeth Holmes may be unreliable, the emotional complexities of her current life remain stark.
Regarding the portrayal of her life in media, Elizabeth reflects:
“They’re not playing me. They’re playing a character I created.”
You Can See Everything Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
15 key events in the order they happen, from “Telling an "Accurate" Story” to “Final Reflections and Epilogue”. 7 events name a place, across 5 locations.
- 1
Telling an "Accurate" Story
In 2023, Billy Evans, partner to Elizabeth Holmes, tells a documentary crew that the couple wants to present an "accurate" version of her story. Opening text explains that there are 34 days leading up to Elizabeth's eleven-year prison sentence for defrauding investors with her company Theranos.
When:2023
- 2
Nathan Fielder Takes the Helm
The crew is led by Nathan Fielder, who was chosen over other reporters and journalists because Elizabeth and Billy trust him to tell the story Elizabeth wants. Nathan digs into Elizabeth's history, from her start at Stanford to her infamous rise and fall alongside her former president and lover, Sunny Balwani.
- 3
Frustration with "The Dropout"
Elizabeth and Billy express negative feelings toward the Hulu miniseries "The Dropout", in which Amanda Seyfried portrays Elizabeth. They are fixated on a New York Times quote, "They're not playing me. They're playing a character I created," although Elizabeth claims she never said she herself created the character.
- 4
Beach House Access in San Diego
Nathan joins Elizabeth and Billy at their beach house in San Diego, which they share with their kids. Elizabeth insists she is being as open and honest as possible, though Nathan has his doubt since she has claimed never to have lied a day in her life. Billy recounts meeting Elizabeth around the time she was found guilty of fraud, insisting he loves her despite everything he has heard.
When:34 days before her sentence Where:San Diego, California
- 5
A Troubling Revelation from Elizabeth's Parents
Elizabeth's parents, Christian and Noel, visit the house and meet Nathan. Speaking privately with Christian, Nathan learns that things started going downhill for Elizabeth after she was raped as a student. Billy interrupts the meeting and becomes defensive about the parents not being with the family.
Where:San Diego, California
- 6
An Emotional Screening
Nathan shows Elizabeth and Billy most of "The Dropout". Elizabeth gets emotional during scenes depicting her and Sunny Balwani and wants to stop watching. Speaking privately, she expresses sadness about her upcoming sentence and being separated from Billy and their kids.
Where:San Diego, California
- 7
The "Scam Device"
Elizabeth shows Nathan a deconstructed version of the device she claimed could run hundreds of tests at once with a single drop of blood. She insists that it works as she said it does, but admits that somewhere along the development process something went wrong. She and Billy are also working to get "Theranos 2.0" off the ground.
- 8
Farewell Before Prison
In her final days of freedom, Elizabeth gets 3D scans of her body, though she is uncomfortable with the thought of her image being used. She bids Nathan farewell before heading to prison in Bryan, Texas. Billy and the kids move closer in order to be near her.
Where:Bryan, Texas
- 9
Amanda Seyfried Enters the Story
Two years later, Nathan shows the footage up to that point to Amanda Seyfried herself, who is stunned by what she has seen, especially Elizabeth's reaction to her performance. Amanda reprises her role as Elizabeth in re-enactments for scenes prior to filming or wherever the crew could not film, while Billy is portrayed by Christopher Abbott.
When:Two years later
- 10
Flashback: The Payment Negotiation
A flashback shows the first meeting between Elizabeth, Billy, Nathan, co-director Lance Oppenheim, and two A24 executives. After Elizabeth leaves the room, Billy asks about being paid for their part in the film, but Nathan and the others argue that this would be unethical since it would look biased on their part. Regardless, they negotiate a deal.
Show the other 5 events of You Can See Everything Hide the last 5 events
- 11
Billy Pulls the Strings
Nathan and Amanda review a clip revealing that Billy is using Elizabeth's social media account and posting things she would not say, mainly swearing and insulting people. Meeting Billy at his house, they are shocked to learn he holds power of attorney over Elizabeth. When Amanda accuses him of exploiting her, Billy gets defensive, mentioning the backlash Elizabeth received for criticizing Charlie Kirk after his assassination, and Amanda later tells Nathan that Billy is "batshit crazy".
Where:Billy's house
- 12
Billboards in Times Square
Billy shows Nathan that he has billboards with Elizabeth's image in Times Square, including the famous photo of her holding a blood sample that she dislikes. He also shows AI-generated videos of her.
Where:Times Square, New York
- 13
Reaching Elizabeth
Nathan has trouble contacting Elizabeth over the phone due to limited prison minutes. The one time Amanda gets to speak directly to her, she is visibly unnerved. Eventually, they arrange for Nathan to speak to her in prison before Billy and the kids arrive.
- 14
The Prison Conversation
With Amanda playing Elizabeth one last time, the re-enacted "Elizabeth" expresses disapproval of Amanda's portrayal in "The Dropout", believing it is the only image of herself people will believe. On Billy's money deal, she explains she would gain nothing anyway because she owes hundreds of millions in restitution. Growing emotional, she proclaims that her and Billy's love for one another is real, and Nathan leaves after Billy and the kids arrive.
Where:Prison, Bryan, Texas
- 15
Final Reflections and Epilogue
Nathan and Amanda sit one last time to discuss his final thoughts, acknowledging that Elizabeth can hardly be trusted, though Amanda believes Nathan grew to care for her in some way. The film closes with the real Elizabeth and Billy with their kids from outside the prison as they visit her. Ending text reveals Billy dropped his deal to gain money from the film, while the New York Times reporter stands by her quote despite being unable to provide evidence.
Who Are the Main Characters in You Can See Everything?
3 characters, among them Elizabeth Holmes, Billy Evans and Nathan Fielder: who each one is and the part they play in the story. Every profile links to the actor’s page.
- EH
Elizabeth Holmes
Played by Elizabeth Holmes
Elizabeth Holmes is portrayed as a complex individual, grappling with the consequences of her ambitious yet deceptive journey in the tech world. Despite her confidence and claims of honesty, she exhibits vulnerability and emotional depth, particularly in her role as a mother and partner. Her yearning for authenticity amid a tumultuous narrative illustrates her internal conflict.
- 👩💼 Business
- 📉 Fraud
- ❤️ Love
- BE
Billy Evans
Played by Billy Evans
Billy Evans is a devoted partner, caught between love for Elizabeth and the harsh realities of her choices. His loyalty is tested as he navigates the fallout from her scandalous past, displaying both protective instincts and complexity in his relationships. His character embodies the challenges faced by those closely tied to high-profile figures embroiled in controversy.
- 💔 Loyalty
- ⚖️ Ethics
- 👨👧👦 Family
- NF
Nathan Fielder
Played by Nathan Fielder
Nathan Fielder serves as the documentarian and mediator in Elizabeth and Billy's story, bringing both insight and skepticism to the narrative. His approach reveals a desire to uncover the truth while navigating the emotional landscape of those involved. As he probes deeper, Nathan's character evolves from an observer to someone who grows to care for Elizabeth's plight.
- 🎥 Filmmaking
- 🕵️♂️ Investigation
- 🤔 Reflection
Where and When Is You Can See Everything Set?
You Can See Everything is set in San Diego, Bryan and Texas (2023). Here is why the time and place matter to the story.
When
2023
The movie is set in the year 2023, a time marked by the ramifications of financial scandals and heightened scrutiny of the tech industry. It's a period where public trust in entrepreneurs has been severely tested, illustrating the consequences of deception. As Elizabeth prepares for incarceration, the film captures the tension and emotional fallout of her past decisions.
Where
San Diego, Bryan, Texas
San Diego is a vibrant coastal city known for its beautiful beaches and laid-back lifestyle. It serves as the backdrop for the intimate moments shared by Elizabeth and Billy, portraying their family life amidst turmoil. Bryan, Texas, is significant as the location of the prison where Elizabeth faces the consequences of her actions, marking a stark contrast to the warmth of the beach house.
- 🏖️ Beach
- 🏛️ Prison
What Are the Themes of You Can See Everything?
3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Betrayal, Identity and Truth.
-
01
Betrayal
Betrayal is a central theme as Elizabeth faces the fallout from her actions, particularly the impact on her relationships with loved ones. The strained dynamics with Billy and her parents highlight the personal losses that accompany professional downfalls. Elizabeth's story serves as a poignant reminder of how ambition and deceit can lead to profound emotional rifts.
-
02
Identity
The theme of identity runs deep, as Elizabeth grapples with her public persona versus her private self. Her discontent with portrayals in media reflects a struggle for authenticity in a world eager to define her. This dissonance raises questions about who she really is beneath the facade of success and the character she feels has been created around her.
-
03
Truth
Truth is another vital theme, explored through Elizabeth's quest to present her narrative accurately. The film delves into the complexities of honesty, trust, and the subjective nature of truth in storytelling. As characters confront their realities, the audience is left to ponder the meanings and implications of truth in personal and public spheres.
What Kind of Film Is You Can See Everything?
Dark in tone, with variable pacing and a complex story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Dark
- Pacing
- Variable
- Story
- Complex
- Intensity
- High
- Ending
- Mixed
A meta-documentary that pulls you into the unsettling world of Elizabeth Holmes, blending real footage with re-enactments to create an intimate, intellectually engaging portrait of fraud and manipulation.
- unsettling
- meta
- voyeuristic
- cerebral
- intimate
- cynical
- fraud
- prison
- manipulation
- documentary filmmaking
Content notes: fraud, imprisonment, sexual assault, manipulation, exploitation.
Quiz
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