Premium: Snakes in the Grass, Raccoons in the Attic

Elizabeth Holmes, the former CEO of Theranos, is the subject of a new documentary that explores her life leading up to her prison sentence. The film, directed by Nathan Fielder, offers a unique perspective by blending documentary and dramatization. Fielder, who was invited by Holmes and her partner Billy Evans to document her final days before incarceration, navigates the complexities of their relationship and the narrative they present. The film challenges traditional documentary conventions by highlighting the selective nature of what is shown and the manipulation involved in storytelling.

The conversation also touches on Rachel Cusk's novel "Life of M," which, while not directly about Holmes, shares thematic similarities with the documentary. Both works provoke questions about perception and reality, prompting audiences to consider the layers of narrative construction. The hosts reflect on how these projects engage with the idea of representation and the inherent biases in storytelling, particularly in the context of Holmes' public persona and the scrutiny she faces.

Additionally, the hosts share personal anecdotes about wildlife encounters, adding a light-hearted touch to the discussion. They humorously relate their experiences to broader cultural observations, ultimately weaving together themes of nature, narrative, and the complexities of human behavior.

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Kat and Phoebe discuss the latest in local wildlife, a new novel that may or may not be about Natalie Portman, and a new movie that may or may not be about Elizabeth Holmes’s boyfriend’s ding-dong. LINKS: Unherd on the Cusk book: A novelist’s dark portrait of Natalie Portman