Old Theranos Documentary Surges on HBO Max as New Film Sparks Debate

Key points

• Alex Gibney’s 2019 documentary 'The Inventor' reached No. 10 on HBO Max’s top 10 chart in the U.S., seven years after its premiere.
• The surge in viewership coincides with the October 16 theatrical release of 'You Can See Everything,' a new A24 documentary by Nathan Fielder and Lance Oppenheim.
• 'The Inventor' features interviews with whistleblowers Tyler Shultz and Erika Cheung, as well as journalist John Carreyrou, detailing Theranos’s fraudulent blood-testing technology.
• Holmes was convicted in January 2022 on four counts of defrauding investors and sentenced to 10 years and 3 months in prison, with a projected release date of February 22, 2030.
• In 'You Can See Everything,' Holmes claims she has never lied, a statement that contrasts with the testimony of former employees and reporters featured in 'The Inventor.'
• Holmes is scheduled to transfer to a halfway house in Texas in August 2027, though she and former president Ramesh Balwani still owe $452 million in restitution.

Background

Elizabeth Holmes, the former CEO of Theranos, has been the subject of intense media scrutiny since her 2022 conviction for wire fraud. Recent developments include her transfer to a minimum-security prison in Bryan, Texas, and plans for a move to a halfway house in Del Valle in August 2027. Her partner, Billy Evans, has managed her social media presence, posting cryptic messages and threats regarding her children’s safety. The release of 'You Can See Everything' has intensified public debate over her guilt and the nature of her relationship with Evans, who is described by some as a controlling figure in her life.

How outlets are covering it

BGR highlights the contrast between the two documentaries, noting that 'The Inventor' portrays Holmes as an intense, focused leader who wore a black turtleneck daily, while 'You Can See Everything' shows a softer, domestic version of her who claims innocence. The Ringer provides a detailed account of Holmes’s early life and the rise of Theranos, emphasizing her persistence and the board’s initial support, including figures like Henry Kissinger and George Shultz. New York Magazine focuses on Holmes’s current demeanor in 'You Can See Everything,' describing her as a 'holy fool' who projects victimhood, while also noting the unsettling behavior of her partner, Billy Evans. The outlets agree that the new film has sparked renewed interest in the older documentary, but they differ in their emphasis on Holmes’s character and the dynamics of her current relationships.

Why it matters

The resurgence of 'The Inventor' on HBO Max underscores the enduring public fascination with Elizabeth Holmes and the Theranos scandal. The contrast between the two documentaries highlights the complexity of Holmes’s public image and the ongoing debate over her guilt and innocence. As Holmes approaches her transfer to a halfway house, the renewed scrutiny may influence public opinion and legal proceedings, including potential pardon bids. The case also serves as a cautionary tale about the risks of unchecked ambition and the importance of transparency in the tech industry.

What to watch

Holmes is expected to transfer to a halfway house in Del Valle, Texas, in August 2027, with a full release date of February 22, 2030. The outcome of any potential pardon bid will depend on the political climate and public opinion, which may be influenced by the continued release of documentaries and media coverage. The $452 million in restitution owed by Holmes and Balwani remains a significant financial burden, and the case may continue to be a focal point for discussions about fraud and accountability in the tech sector.