A24's Holmes Documentary Shatters Records with $15M Debut

Key points

• The film grossed $15 million in its opening weekend from 855 theaters, ranking second only to 'Fahrenheit 9/11' for non-music documentaries.
• A24 reported over 2,000 sellout screenings, driven by a marketing strategy that withheld plot details to maintain audience curiosity.
• The documentary has a $7 million budget, positioning it for substantial profitability, and follows the success of A24's recent hit 'Backrooms.'
• The film is part of a wave of recent releases, including 'Musk' and 'The Social Reckoning,' that critically analyze tech industry leaders.
• Critics and audiences praised the film, with a 99% score on Rotten Tomatoes, despite debates regarding the ethics of its intimate portrayal of Holmes.

Background

A24 faced significant financial challenges in 2024 and 2025, including high-budget flops like 'The Smashing Machine' and 'Eddington.' However, the studio has recently rebounded with hits like 'Marty Supreme' and 'Backrooms.' 'You Can See Everything' follows earlier coverage of its critical acclaim and strong preview numbers, which indicated a potential record-breaking performance.

How outlets are covering it

IndieWire emphasizes the film's commercial success and A24's strategic marketing, highlighting the studio's recovery from previous financial setbacks. The Hollywood Reporter frames the documentary as part of a broader 'revenge' narrative against Silicon Valley, comparing it to other recent films that critique tech leaders like Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg. The New York Times notes the film's massive sellout numbers but points out that it did not top the overall box office, as Paramount's 'Street Fighter' earned $31 million. Yahoo highlights the film's critical reception, noting its 99% Rotten Tomatoes score.

Why it matters

The success of 'You Can See Everything' demonstrates the enduring public fascination with Elizabeth Holmes and the Theranos scandal, even eight years after the company's collapse. It also underscores A24's ability to balance artistic ambition with commercial viability, reinforcing its position as a leading independent studio in a competitive market. The film's performance signals a growing appetite for critical, documentary-style narratives that scrutinize the power and ethics of technology companies.

What to watch

A24 is expected to continue its strong run, with the film's profitability likely to influence future investment in similar projects. The broader trend of Hollywood productions critiquing Silicon Valley may lead to more films exploring the intersection of technology, power, and ethics. Audiences may also see increased scrutiny of tech leaders as these narratives gain cultural traction.