Life Through the Lens: The infinitely intricate layers of humanity
Review of 'You Can See Everything' (2026)
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"Why would I deceive you?"
Misdirection is a tool in every illusionist's book. When done properly, it can make the impossible seem effortless because, as you can guess, it requires no effort. It is simply a sleight of hand using the subject's own momentum. The "mark" distracts themselves, then convinces themselves of the truth behind the new reality in front of them. Viola!
Magicians break it down to a few core principles.
1. Social cues - Use your eyes as a tool, as a disarming weapon. People will follow your lead - simply lead them away.
2. Multitasking - If the audience is performing a task, one requiring some cognition, a hidden action can pass unnoticed.
3. Emotional manipulation - Any emotional response can be used as cover. Laughter, anger, sadness, repulsion ... any high leaves room for deception "on the low."
4. Time misdirection - Subtle stalling. Let time pass and forgetfulness set-in.
5. Convincers - Allow certain methods to be shown and proven along the way. Each thing canceled or verified distracts from the true mechanics and methods.
6. Repetition - Do it again. Do it slightly differently. The audience will connect the two and smooth over any weakness found.
If this sounds simple, it is! Also, this approach can be utilized in the magician's personal life. Lying has never been easier! By following these simple principles, one can misdirect from painful truths or damning details.
Remember: If the audience is wanting to see a trick, they will fool themselves. Re-remember: If the audience is fighting the trick, watching closely for a slip-up, they will fool themselves. You can't lose! Both intentionally blind and intently skeptical, they won't know what hit 'em!
***
In 2003, Elizabeth Holmes drops out of Stanford to pursue her own invention. In 2014, Holmes is named one of the richest self-made women in the world at a reported $4.5 billion. In 2015, a scathing article is published in the Wall Street Journal detailing the deception by Holmes to mask her unproductive product. In 2018, Holmes is federally indicted. In 2022, Holmes is sentenced to 11 years in prison for fraud. Also in 2022, Holmes invites famously bizarre comedian Nathan Fielder into her home to document the final 34 days before prison.
Her stated goal: to show the world the REAL her before it is too late. To vindicate through transparency - to illuminate every corner of her psyche - to bare her soul - to let the world see everything.
Little did she (or her partner Billy Evans) know: Nathan Fielder is a "pandora's box." Unusual - unknowable - unpredictable. Once he is unleashed, the word "everything" doesn't quite cover it anymore!
***
I believe, and now much of the world echoes, that Nathan Fielder is a remarkable genius. His brain, which he consistently puts on display, is one of boundless creativity, unabashed oddity and unexpected beauty. No issue or idea is approached with anything other than every ounce of his complex capabilities. Every project he has created has left me totally entertained and completely amazed.
When I first heard he was doing a documentary, I was excitedly puzzled. I knew he would make something outrageous ... he can't help himself! I was left to wonder, though: how can someone make a unique and off-the-wall documentary. Then I saw it...
Of course! His style is perfect for a documentary! Especially one with more questions than answers. The story of Elizabeth Holmes has been done to death; the humanity of Elizabeth Holmes is a much more compelling study, though. As only he can do, Fielder ventures into the mystery unprepared but, by god, willing to do whatever it takes to create empathy and understanding.
Elizabeth Holmes will always be an anomaly; one cannot truly know her because she is unaffectedly abnormal. Her gaze, her ticks, her mental idling - your final view of Holmes will be complicated (as is Fielder's). Her partner Billy Evans is much easier to get to know ... but you will wish you hadn't by the end! After each segment spent with the two, you will be reminded of a magician's misdirection: the practiced art of guiding an audience away from the truth.
At the movie's halfway point, the axis changes, and reality is altered. I love the lengths taken to make the unimaginable imagined. No spoilers: It is done with earnestness and considerable charm.
The music by Ari Balouzian is mesmerizing; it pitches every moment into controlled turmoil. The cinematography by David Bolen is powerful yet immensely delicate; the use of close-ups is an inspired choice! The editing by Adam Locke-Norton is spectacular; the scope of the film is managed well by his seamless control.
Cliché coming: You gotta see it to believe it!
REPORT CARD: You Can See Everything
Grade: A+
Assessment: A true auteur at work!