What's Happening?
A24's new documentary, 'You Can See Everything,' co-directed by Nathan Fielder and Lance Oppenheim, is set to open in approximately 800 theaters on October 16, with plans for nationwide expansion. The film chronicles the life of convicted Theranos founder
Elizabeth Holmes and her partner Billy Evans leading up to her federal prison sentence. Early projections from Gold Derby estimate the film will gross between $7 million and $12 million over its opening weekend. This performance is expected to surpass the current highest-grossing documentary of the year, 'Melania,' a propaganda piece about Melania Trump, which debuted with $7 million and has a total domestic box office of $16.4 million. 'You Can See Everything' is also anticipated to become the second-best opening for a documentary in the last 17 years, excluding concert films, trailing only Michael Moore's 'Fahrenheit 9/11' from 2004, which earned $23.9 million on its opening weekend.
Why It's Important?
The potential box office success of 'You Can See Everything' signifies a notable shift in the documentary film market, demonstrating that compelling, non-concert documentaries can achieve significant theatrical releases and financial returns. Surpassing 'Melania' in box office performance, especially with fewer screens, highlights the power of critical buzz and viral marketing in attracting audiences to complex, real-world narratives. This success could encourage more studios to invest in and widely distribute documentaries that delve into contemporary issues and controversial figures, moving beyond traditional niche audiences. For A24, this marks a significant achievement, potentially placing the film among its top-ten box office performers, a rare feat for a documentary. It also underscores the public's continued fascination with the Theranos scandal and the enigmatic figure of Elizabeth Holmes, indicating a strong appetite for in-depth, critical examinations of high-profile corporate malfeasance.
What's Next?
Following its initial release in approximately 800 theaters, 'You Can See Everything' is slated for nationwide expansion in the coming weeks, which could further boost its box office numbers and solidify its position as a top-performing documentary. The film's long awards campaign is also expected to contribute to its sustained success and visibility. The critical buzz and viral online marketing surrounding the documentary will likely continue to draw audiences, especially given the public's ongoing interest in Elizabeth Holmes and the Theranos saga. The film's performance will be closely watched by industry analysts to see if it can maintain its momentum and potentially challenge 'Fahrenheit 9/11's' long-standing record as the highest-grossing documentary of all time. The discussions and revelations within the film, particularly regarding Holmes's and Evans's perspectives, are also likely to generate further public discourse and media coverage.
Beyond the Headlines
The documentary's exploration of Elizabeth Holmes's narrative, particularly her claims of never having lied and her plans for a new venture, raises profound questions about self-perception, accountability, and the nature of truth in the face of public scrutiny and legal conviction. The film's meta-narrative, where Nathan Fielder and Lance Oppenheim grapple with the authenticity of Holmes and Evans, blurs the lines between documentary filmmaking and performance art, challenging viewers to question the reliability of what they are seeing. The involvement of Amanda Seyfried, who played Holmes in 'The Dropout,' adds another layer of complexity, creating a unique intertextual dialogue about portrayal, perception, and the impact of media on real-life figures. This approach not only entertains but also prompts a deeper reflection on the ethics of documentary filmmaking, the manipulation of public image, and the psychological dimensions of high-stakes fraud, making the film a significant cultural artifact beyond its box office performance.
