You Can See Everything: A24's Holmes Doc Shatters Records, Sparks Oscar Controversy

Key points

• Box Office: The film grossed $45.1 million domestically in two weeks, with a $7 million budget, making it highly profitable. It opened in 855 theaters, expanding to 2,655, with a 28% increase in the second weekend.
• Critical Reception: The film holds a 98% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a 97 score on Metacritic. Critics praise its surreal, masterful blend of comedy and documentary, though some note its unconventional structure may alienate traditional documentary voters.
• Oscar Controversy: A24 is expected to campaign for Best Picture, Best Supporting Actress (Amanda Seyfried), and Best Documentary. However, the Academy’s documentary branch is skeptical due to the film’s commercial success and celebrity focus, with some arguing it is not a true documentary.
• Cultural Impact: The film has caused a 900% surge in listeners for the 'The Dropout' podcast and a 700% bump in viewers for the Hulu series. John Carreyrou’s book 'Bad Blood' has also returned to bestseller lists.
• Holmes’s Current Status: Elizabeth Holmes is serving an 11-year, 3-month sentence at Federal Prison Camp Bryan, Texas. Her sentence has been reduced by one year, and she is scheduled for release in February 2030. She has reportedly requested clemency from President Trump.

Background

This story follows the 2019 release of the 'The Dropout' podcast and the 2022 Hulu series, which previously explored the Theranos scandal. Earlier coverage noted that Fielder’s 'kill switch' clause with A24 allowed for a purely curiosity-driven creative process, and that Alex Gibney’s 2019 documentary 'The Inventor' also saw a resurgence in viewership. The current film contrasts with these by focusing on Holmes’s domestic life and denial of guilt in the weeks before her incarceration, rather than the corporate collapse.

How outlets are covering it

The Guardian emphasizes the film’s role in reviving interest in the broader Theranos narrative, noting the 'gut-twisting' reality of the fraud despite the film’s comedic elements. The New York Times focuses on the Oscar eligibility debate, highlighting the documentary branch’s historical bias against commercially successful and celebrity-focused films. Variety highlights the strategic marketing and box office performance, noting A24’s decision to launch in a moderate release to build scarcity and word-of-mouth. Yahoo provides a detailed look at Holmes’s current life, including her fiancé Billy Evans and the disputed quote from a 2023 New York Times profile, while also noting the film’s potential for a Best Picture win.

Why it matters

The film’s success challenges traditional definitions of documentary and highlights the Academy’s potential bias against commercially successful, unconventional works. It also demonstrates the enduring cultural impact of the Theranos scandal, reviving interest in related media and sparking debate about the nature of truth and performance in media.

What to watch

A24 is expected to announce its streaming release plans, likely on HBO Max, within 30 to 45 days of the theatrical release. The film’s Oscar campaign will be closely watched, particularly regarding its eligibility for Best Picture and Best Documentary. Holmes’s transfer to a halfway house in Del Valle, Texas, is scheduled for next year, and her clemency request may be addressed by the White House.