Whistleblower Tyler Shultz Calls Elizabeth Holmes 'Broken' in Record-Breaking Documentary

Key points

• The documentary 'You Can See Everything' earned $15 million in its opening weekend, marking the second-most profitable opening for a documentary ever.
• Whistleblower Tyler Shultz described Elizabeth Holmes as looking 'broken' in the film, contrasting this with her former confidence and ability to command rooms.
• Shultz claims Holmes misled director Nathan Fielder by showing a different Theranos device than the one used to provide incorrect medical information to patients.
• The film has achieved a 99% score on Rotten Tomatoes and a 99/100 Metacritic score, with some critics predicting a Best Picture Oscar nomination.
• Elizabeth Holmes, who was convicted in 2022 of defrauding investors, maintained her innocence during the filming of the documentary in 2023.

Background

The Theranos scandal involved a biotech company that claimed to offer accurate blood tests from tiny samples, a technology that was later revealed to be a sham. Elizabeth Holmes was convicted in 2022 of wire fraud and conspiracy to defraud investors. Tyler Shultz, a former intern at Theranos, was a key whistleblower who helped expose the company's fraudulent practices to The Wall Street Journal and regulatory agencies. The new documentary, 'You Can See Everything,' was filmed in the weeks before Holmes began her 11-year prison sentence in 2023.

How outlets are covering it

CBS News highlights the personal reaction of whistleblower Tyler Shultz, who was shocked by Holmes's demeanor and accused her of misleading the filmmakers. CNN focuses on the film's commercial success, noting its record-breaking box office performance and critical acclaim, while also mentioning the surprise premiere at the Telluride Film Festival. Deadline provides detailed box office figures, noting the film's $2 million in previews and its potential to outstrip previous documentary records. The Guardian emphasizes the film's unprecedented critical reception, comparing its Metacritic score to that of the 2016 Oscar winner 'Moonlight.'

Why it matters

The release of 'You Can See Everything' has reignited public interest in the Theranos scandal and the nature of Elizabeth Holmes's deception. The film's success and the controversy surrounding its portrayal of Holmes highlight the ongoing debate about how fraud and personal responsibility are depicted in media. The involvement of a key whistleblower in criticizing the film adds a layer of complexity to the narrative, suggesting that the documentary may not fully capture the reality of the fraud as experienced by those who worked within the company.

What to watch

The documentary is set to open nationwide next weekend, with expectations of continued strong box office performance. Critics are watching to see if the film will receive a Best Picture Oscar nomination, a feat unprecedented for a documentary. The ongoing debate about the film's accuracy and its portrayal of Holmes will likely continue as more viewers see the film and form their own opinions.