Wow.. this show is insane. I want to start off by saying that I know movies and shows overdramatize true stories so I'm speaking solely about the show right now. This goes from you rooting for the main character to you hating her.. like a real life Anakin Skywalker story.. IF this is close to what actually happened I would have been horrified to have been a part of this company. What a truly terrifying slip into "The Dark Side".... Wow.. just wow..
171 Reviews
Seyfried Steals the Show,
aarpcats7 March 2022
I was a banker for 40 years. I got my start in San Francisco during the heyday of the 1970s when guys with Beatle haircuts and plaid suits tried to upend the finance industry.
Out of that group came Apple, the Home Shopping Networks, etc., and the seed capital and business practices for what is now the Silicon Valley. What also came out was lots of bankruptcies, shareholder lawsuits, and corporate money spent on drugs, sex and rock and roll.
Elizabeth Holmes didn't surprise me. She wasn't much different than those 1970s bankers in plaid three piece suites and Beatles hair cuts. She had the same arrogant attitude, the same way of talking around a problem rather than answering a question and the same failure to appreciate the idea that most people earn their livings by working for them. Privileged. White, Young,
In this series, Seyfried captures the attitude, the creepy lack of self awareness, the naked ambition and the voice. She shows us that the facade without a person inside. She plays the role as If it were written for her, and reveals acting ability I have never seen in her.
The other cast members are good (especially Bill Macy) but it's hard to divert our eyes from the train wreck of a character Seyfried makes of Holmes. And she does a really good job of it.
See it for her acting, but you might enjoy it more if you know the story,
Out of that group came Apple, the Home Shopping Networks, etc., and the seed capital and business practices for what is now the Silicon Valley. What also came out was lots of bankruptcies, shareholder lawsuits, and corporate money spent on drugs, sex and rock and roll.
Elizabeth Holmes didn't surprise me. She wasn't much different than those 1970s bankers in plaid three piece suites and Beatles hair cuts. She had the same arrogant attitude, the same way of talking around a problem rather than answering a question and the same failure to appreciate the idea that most people earn their livings by working for them. Privileged. White, Young,
In this series, Seyfried captures the attitude, the creepy lack of self awareness, the naked ambition and the voice. She shows us that the facade without a person inside. She plays the role as If it were written for her, and reveals acting ability I have never seen in her.
The other cast members are good (especially Bill Macy) but it's hard to divert our eyes from the train wreck of a character Seyfried makes of Holmes. And she does a really good job of it.
See it for her acting, but you might enjoy it more if you know the story,
Surprisingly entertaining and insightful look at the rise and fall of Elizabeth Holmes
paul-allaer12 March 2022
As Episode 1 of "The Dropout" (2022 release; 8 episodes of about 50-55 min each) opens, it is "July 11, 2017" and Elizabeth Holmes, CEO of the Silicon Valley startup unicorn Theranos, is in a court deposition, answering uncomfortable questions about whether/how she misled investors. We then go to "Houston 1995" as young Elizabeth is running track awkwardly. We then move to "2001" as her dad loses his job in the Enron corporate collapse.... At this point we are 10 min into Episode 1.
Couple of comments: this mini-series is the brainchild of Elizabeth Meriwether ("New Girl") and directed by Michael Showalter ("The Big Sick", "The Eyes of tammy Faye"). In other words: top talent is on board here. Let me admit that I was somewhat skeptical of this mini-series, having seen the excellent 2019 HBO documentary "The Inventor: Out for Blood In Silicon Valley" that made me wonder what additional insight this mini-series could provide on what drove Elizabeth Holmes to do what she did. Turns out: quite a lot. We learn of origin details that I hadn't heard before (such as how Elizabeth and Sunny actually met). And to top it all, Amanda Seyfried is in top form and delivers a more than credible performance as Elizabeth. One of the big advantages of this mini-series over the HBO documentary is that we now know how it all plays out, as a verdict in the law suit against Elizabeth Holmes was rendered in early 2022. Bottom line: having seen the initial 2 episodes so far in "The Dropout", and regardless on how you feel about Elizabeth Holmes, "The Dropout" is a surprisingly entertaining mini-series that has caught my attention, and I'm looking forward to seeing the remainder episodes.
The initial episodes of "The Dropout" premiered on Hulu on March 3, and are now available on demand (where I caught the initial 2 episodes), with new episodes being released on Thursdays. If you have any interest in Silicon Valley or in corporate malfeasance, I'd readily suggest you check out "The Dropout", and draw your own conclusion.
UPDATE 3/17/22 I'm now 5 episodes into it, and I admit I'm outright transfixed by it. A train wreck is about to come and I can't wait to see it all happening.
UPDATE 4/7/22 Just watched the 8th and final episode. I have updated my rating for this mini-series to 9 stars, yes it is that good. This fascinating mini-series simply got better with each episode. The last 2 episodes, when the house of cards finally falls apart, is TV-viewing at its very best. The performance of Amanda Seyfried is towering, and surely worthy of an Emmy nomination, if not win.
Couple of comments: this mini-series is the brainchild of Elizabeth Meriwether ("New Girl") and directed by Michael Showalter ("The Big Sick", "The Eyes of tammy Faye"). In other words: top talent is on board here. Let me admit that I was somewhat skeptical of this mini-series, having seen the excellent 2019 HBO documentary "The Inventor: Out for Blood In Silicon Valley" that made me wonder what additional insight this mini-series could provide on what drove Elizabeth Holmes to do what she did. Turns out: quite a lot. We learn of origin details that I hadn't heard before (such as how Elizabeth and Sunny actually met). And to top it all, Amanda Seyfried is in top form and delivers a more than credible performance as Elizabeth. One of the big advantages of this mini-series over the HBO documentary is that we now know how it all plays out, as a verdict in the law suit against Elizabeth Holmes was rendered in early 2022. Bottom line: having seen the initial 2 episodes so far in "The Dropout", and regardless on how you feel about Elizabeth Holmes, "The Dropout" is a surprisingly entertaining mini-series that has caught my attention, and I'm looking forward to seeing the remainder episodes.
The initial episodes of "The Dropout" premiered on Hulu on March 3, and are now available on demand (where I caught the initial 2 episodes), with new episodes being released on Thursdays. If you have any interest in Silicon Valley or in corporate malfeasance, I'd readily suggest you check out "The Dropout", and draw your own conclusion.
UPDATE 3/17/22 I'm now 5 episodes into it, and I admit I'm outright transfixed by it. A train wreck is about to come and I can't wait to see it all happening.
UPDATE 4/7/22 Just watched the 8th and final episode. I have updated my rating for this mini-series to 9 stars, yes it is that good. This fascinating mini-series simply got better with each episode. The last 2 episodes, when the house of cards finally falls apart, is TV-viewing at its very best. The performance of Amanda Seyfried is towering, and surely worthy of an Emmy nomination, if not win.
Amanda Seyfried is amazing
ladyliliroche23 March 2022
With the exception of the bad chinese (maybe that's also intentional, who knows), Amanda Seyfried is great at portraying Elizabeth Holmes. She looked like her, she got the weird and awkward manner, the deepen of the voice. You look at her and think that she is Elizabeth Holmes.
Story itself is good. It moved in quick pace and everyone they got are amazing. The one that played Edmund Ko, Stephen Fry as Ian Gibbson, are standouts for me. Sunny was also great.
It does give sympathetic look on Elizabeth but also don't completely erase her fault and crime. There are indeed bad bloods on her hands.
Story itself is good. It moved in quick pace and everyone they got are amazing. The one that played Edmund Ko, Stephen Fry as Ian Gibbson, are standouts for me. Sunny was also great.
It does give sympathetic look on Elizabeth but also don't completely erase her fault and crime. There are indeed bad bloods on her hands.
Entertaining
jennfinn10 April 2022
I watched videos of Elizabeth Holmes and I have to say that Amanda Seyfried's performance was spot on. I had no clue who Elizabeth Holmes was and had never heard of Theranos.
It's absolutely unbelievable to me that all these stupid men actually believed this woman without ever seeing the machine in action. It's sad that because of sociopaths like Elizabeth giving women a bad name others probably suffered.
It's absolutely unbelievable to me that all these stupid men actually believed this woman without ever seeing the machine in action. It's sad that because of sociopaths like Elizabeth giving women a bad name others probably suffered.
Amanda manages to pull off the Creepiness of the Real Elizabeth! :O
midnitepantera13 March 2022
I watched a documentary few years back about Elizabeth Holmes Fiasco!! Basically Diary of a Selfish, Greedy and Dangerous Sociopath!
This series, helps fill in a few blanks, but yeah, gotta agree with another reviewer who mentioned that the timing of this coming out before the Real Elizabeth is to be sentenced in the supposed near future, doesn't really sit right.
I hope she goes to jail for at least 20 years, but, alas, people with money get a slap on the hands and walk away, doesn't matter who they killed, endangered or defrauded. But God help the poor average American who gets caught with a bit of pot, in one of the few states where it's still illegal, you will have your home and car and bank account taken away and go to jail for a good 10 years, even if it was strictly for medical purposes like cancer or PTSD.
Where are all these Creepy Millennials coming from??? Like this Holmes gal and Zuckerberg, with their intelligence, lack of humanity or consequences and their truly creepy, dead shark eyes. ICK, gives me the Willies!
And people, PLEASE!!! Stop being a YES MAN to your Creepy, Evil, Greedy Bosses. When you see they are doing harm to society. Leave and Blow the bloody whistle!!! Don't wait for innocent people to suffer or die.
Series is worth a watch if you are following or interested in this Bizarre Real life Case. But the Documentary was better.
This series, helps fill in a few blanks, but yeah, gotta agree with another reviewer who mentioned that the timing of this coming out before the Real Elizabeth is to be sentenced in the supposed near future, doesn't really sit right.
I hope she goes to jail for at least 20 years, but, alas, people with money get a slap on the hands and walk away, doesn't matter who they killed, endangered or defrauded. But God help the poor average American who gets caught with a bit of pot, in one of the few states where it's still illegal, you will have your home and car and bank account taken away and go to jail for a good 10 years, even if it was strictly for medical purposes like cancer or PTSD.
Where are all these Creepy Millennials coming from??? Like this Holmes gal and Zuckerberg, with their intelligence, lack of humanity or consequences and their truly creepy, dead shark eyes. ICK, gives me the Willies!
And people, PLEASE!!! Stop being a YES MAN to your Creepy, Evil, Greedy Bosses. When you see they are doing harm to society. Leave and Blow the bloody whistle!!! Don't wait for innocent people to suffer or die.
Series is worth a watch if you are following or interested in this Bizarre Real life Case. But the Documentary was better.
not sure why the hate on Amanda Seyfried
genosypheus4 March 2022
First 3 episodes in and i think she is a credible Elizabeth Holmes, mostly, except that she is way too pretty. Otherwise, her acting on this role works for me and largely keeps the grip on the show.
Looking forward to the rest of the season.
Looking forward to the rest of the season.
Watch the documentaries instead.
dfloro20 April 2022
This may go against the grain, but I don't like Amanda Seyfried in this role. She's not creepy enough; you don't notice the unblinking stare, the artificially low speaking voice and the other prototypical Elizabeth Holmes traits as much as you should. Frankly, the real Holmes was hard to look at, listen to and take seriously, and all of it was supremely noticeable. (I say "was," since she projects something/someone utterly different now with her age-appropriate, trust-fund-baby boyfriend.) Seyfried has mentioned that their script referred to Elizabeth 1.0 (pre-Theranos teenager and eventual Stanford dropout) and Elizabeth 2.0 (buttoned-up, automaton CEO), so I guess now we're firmly in the Elizabeth 3.0 era. The HBO documentary, "The Inventor," is much better at giving a true picture of the Elizabeths. I give this fictionalized version 6 out of 10 stars.
Solid series, worth the watch
h222324 March 2022
I'm amazed at how we can all watch the same series and see something different. I, of course, think I'm seeing what is ACTUALLY there and not just what my bias is telling me, haha.
My opinion is that this accurately depicts someone who's goal in life was to "be like Steve Jobs" and not in a good way. The "be like Steve Jobs" mentality isn't really about making a difference in the world, it's about being *famous* for having made a difference in the world and defying convention. That is the ambition of a sociopath. The subtle difference here is, "I'm going to change the world! (So I can get credit for it, be important and famous, and make lots of money.)" vs. "I'm going to change the world! (So I can make a difference with this life I've been given.)"
Steve Jobs had his own considerable issues, but he was obviously passionate about the way technology could intersect with humanity and change our experience of life. Elizabeth Holmes couldn't have cared less about the technology. She was aiming for the money, the accolades, and her place in history. Like a typical sociopath. From what I have read about her trial, testimony, and subsequent actions (like getting pregnant and bringing her child into the world during the middle of all of this-an act that seems suspiciously and selfishly designed to get sympathy and a lighter punishment), I don't think she is remorseful, and I don't think she's changed a bit.
Unlike some of the other reviewers, I don't see this series being apologetic to her. I think it portrays her as knowingly advancing a company whose product didn't work, and lying to people and manipulating them to get them to invest (look at how she is supposed to have gotten Walgreens to enter a partnership agreement-nothing but manipulation there). If I were Holmes, I would NOT be happy about this series coming out prior to my sentencing and would be worried it would simply make the judge more likely to go harder on me. I don't see Holmes in a sympathetic light AT ALL as a result of this series. When she cries and acts like a victim-as a woman, all I see is someone who pathetically uses her "womanly" qualities to manipulate people.
If people see her trying to "make her way in a man's world" I would encourage them to ask themselves why they see that, when other women (such as myself) just see her as abusing her femininity to manipulate men. If people see Larry Ellison as being the person who told her to "do whatever it takes" and it's somehow then HIS fault that she lied and cheated, I would encourage them to ask themselves why they see that, when other women see her making a conscious choice to take Ellison's advice and turn it into an excuse to lie and cheat.
(Side note: I just read a review that said this show portrays Balwani and Holmes as "deeply engaged" vs. The gold-digger relationship that actually existed... and would say, SERIOUSLY? All I see is gold-digger/Sugar Daddy. There is no chemistry between them and the relationship seems gross from the start. So again, we see what we want to see, and I see Holmes using Balwani for safety, money, and advice. I also see him going along with it, so I have no sympathy for the guy either. But in no way do I see a "love story" between those two. Ew.)
Back to the series itself, though: like many other reviewers, I'll say that Amanda Seyfried plays the role of Holmes very well. Across the board, the acting is quite good. The pacing is fine, and the story remains interesting throughout, with little to no superfluous material to detract from the main storyline. A very good watch, and one I'd recommend.
My opinion is that this accurately depicts someone who's goal in life was to "be like Steve Jobs" and not in a good way. The "be like Steve Jobs" mentality isn't really about making a difference in the world, it's about being *famous* for having made a difference in the world and defying convention. That is the ambition of a sociopath. The subtle difference here is, "I'm going to change the world! (So I can get credit for it, be important and famous, and make lots of money.)" vs. "I'm going to change the world! (So I can make a difference with this life I've been given.)"
Steve Jobs had his own considerable issues, but he was obviously passionate about the way technology could intersect with humanity and change our experience of life. Elizabeth Holmes couldn't have cared less about the technology. She was aiming for the money, the accolades, and her place in history. Like a typical sociopath. From what I have read about her trial, testimony, and subsequent actions (like getting pregnant and bringing her child into the world during the middle of all of this-an act that seems suspiciously and selfishly designed to get sympathy and a lighter punishment), I don't think she is remorseful, and I don't think she's changed a bit.
Unlike some of the other reviewers, I don't see this series being apologetic to her. I think it portrays her as knowingly advancing a company whose product didn't work, and lying to people and manipulating them to get them to invest (look at how she is supposed to have gotten Walgreens to enter a partnership agreement-nothing but manipulation there). If I were Holmes, I would NOT be happy about this series coming out prior to my sentencing and would be worried it would simply make the judge more likely to go harder on me. I don't see Holmes in a sympathetic light AT ALL as a result of this series. When she cries and acts like a victim-as a woman, all I see is someone who pathetically uses her "womanly" qualities to manipulate people.
If people see her trying to "make her way in a man's world" I would encourage them to ask themselves why they see that, when other women (such as myself) just see her as abusing her femininity to manipulate men. If people see Larry Ellison as being the person who told her to "do whatever it takes" and it's somehow then HIS fault that she lied and cheated, I would encourage them to ask themselves why they see that, when other women see her making a conscious choice to take Ellison's advice and turn it into an excuse to lie and cheat.
(Side note: I just read a review that said this show portrays Balwani and Holmes as "deeply engaged" vs. The gold-digger relationship that actually existed... and would say, SERIOUSLY? All I see is gold-digger/Sugar Daddy. There is no chemistry between them and the relationship seems gross from the start. So again, we see what we want to see, and I see Holmes using Balwani for safety, money, and advice. I also see him going along with it, so I have no sympathy for the guy either. But in no way do I see a "love story" between those two. Ew.)
Back to the series itself, though: like many other reviewers, I'll say that Amanda Seyfried plays the role of Holmes very well. Across the board, the acting is quite good. The pacing is fine, and the story remains interesting throughout, with little to no superfluous material to detract from the main storyline. A very good watch, and one I'd recommend.
Started bad but saved itself
evan_lassi25 March 2022
This started out on the wrong foot making Holmes look like a "victim of society," couldn't catch a break, men stepping over her and sabotaging her. Anyone who knew anything about the story knew all of that was a bunch of bull and I almost stopped watching but gave it one more episode and from there on, the show told the story like it was.
It gave just a dramatic glimpse of what Holmes and her company really were, a bunch of fake, fraudulent, backstabbers. So overall decently told be she was not manipulated and just became a horrible person, she always was.
It gave just a dramatic glimpse of what Holmes and her company really were, a bunch of fake, fraudulent, backstabbers. So overall decently told be she was not manipulated and just became a horrible person, she always was.
Highly Watchable With Great Performances
annlevtex24 July 2022
This is my fourth foray into "Elizabeth Holmes" territory. I listened to the audio book of "Bad Blood," by the WSJ reporter who broke open the story of Theronos' fraud. I watched the documentary. I skimmed the "Bad Blood" book version and now I am watching this version.
All are worthy of consumption. "The Dropout" is by far the most fictionalized version, maybe even the only fictionalized one, but it still draws heavily from RL characters, situations, and conversations. I think it plays a vital role, in that it is the only one that gives Holmes something of a character arc. Yes, her deeds were heinous, but this company was not the brainchild of a 30- or 40-something Silicon Valley type.
It's important to remember that Holmes was a teenager when this company took root in her mind. And yes, her relationship with Sonny Balwani was established by then. But he is not the only one who seems unable to listen to what she is communicating. Her parents and brother all tiptoe around it, as do the middle-aged and elderly men who rally to her side. And that is not a condemnation of them, but rather a commentary on how family and relationship dynamics play an outsize role on personal decisions made in a business context. Especially when so much is at stake.
By the time the series hits its peak a Jenga Tower has been born. Everyone, Elizabeth included, is afraid to pull out a piece. The powerful men (and it is telling that one of the episodes is titled "Old White Men') who sit on her board are all-in, die-hard, a more than a little intense. She is really running with the big d0gs.
All are worthy of consumption. "The Dropout" is by far the most fictionalized version, maybe even the only fictionalized one, but it still draws heavily from RL characters, situations, and conversations. I think it plays a vital role, in that it is the only one that gives Holmes something of a character arc. Yes, her deeds were heinous, but this company was not the brainchild of a 30- or 40-something Silicon Valley type.
It's important to remember that Holmes was a teenager when this company took root in her mind. And yes, her relationship with Sonny Balwani was established by then. But he is not the only one who seems unable to listen to what she is communicating. Her parents and brother all tiptoe around it, as do the middle-aged and elderly men who rally to her side. And that is not a condemnation of them, but rather a commentary on how family and relationship dynamics play an outsize role on personal decisions made in a business context. Especially when so much is at stake.
By the time the series hits its peak a Jenga Tower has been born. Everyone, Elizabeth included, is afraid to pull out a piece. The powerful men (and it is telling that one of the episodes is titled "Old White Men') who sit on her board are all-in, die-hard, a more than a little intense. She is really running with the big d0gs.
Very Interesting Series
toneybrooks20034 March 2022
Just doesn't ring true
trademarcdesigns3 March 2022
First of all, with Elizabeth Holmes awaiting sentencing later on this year, I'm not sure a TV series depicting her as a damaged PTSD victim is really appropriate - though I'm sure she and her lawyers are thrilled by it.
Seyfried plays Holmes as almost pathologically detached - all brain and no emotion, unable to process trauma, unable to get along with her peers, unable to play by the rules. In short, a classic sociopath, right down to practicing emotional reactions in front of a mirror. If this were an accurate portrayal of Holmes, how did she manage to impress, charm and/or finagle so many intelligent professionals into investing in her company? We see nothing of that - no explanation for why so many people, including medical professionals, would have trusted this woman with not only their money, but the lives of their patients.
I'm going to continue to watch this because I'm curious to see if they deal with any of these problems as the series progresses - but I'm watching it as a fictional drama and not a true story.
Seyfried plays Holmes as almost pathologically detached - all brain and no emotion, unable to process trauma, unable to get along with her peers, unable to play by the rules. In short, a classic sociopath, right down to practicing emotional reactions in front of a mirror. If this were an accurate portrayal of Holmes, how did she manage to impress, charm and/or finagle so many intelligent professionals into investing in her company? We see nothing of that - no explanation for why so many people, including medical professionals, would have trusted this woman with not only their money, but the lives of their patients.
I'm going to continue to watch this because I'm curious to see if they deal with any of these problems as the series progresses - but I'm watching it as a fictional drama and not a true story.
When success is more important than facts...
DukeEman3 March 2022
We all know the story of Elizabeth Holmes, but this series details with great interest the ambitious drive that drove her to be a self-made billionaire, and stay on top at all costs. It is this passion that Holmes oozes that enticed me to watch in wonderment on how she pulled it off.
This all works thanks to the writers in succeeding by making Holmes a fascinating character with all her quirks and downfalls. Most importantly is Seyfried's performance as Holmes, where sometimes I kept thinking that Elizabeth Holmes was playing herself!
Looking forward to seeing how far this series delves into the mindset of someone whose dreams are shattered, and the destructiveness nature in which they will do anything to survive in the high tech corporate jungle.
This all works thanks to the writers in succeeding by making Holmes a fascinating character with all her quirks and downfalls. Most importantly is Seyfried's performance as Holmes, where sometimes I kept thinking that Elizabeth Holmes was playing herself!
Looking forward to seeing how far this series delves into the mindset of someone whose dreams are shattered, and the destructiveness nature in which they will do anything to survive in the high tech corporate jungle.
Amanda Seyfried deserves an award
mam_3888 April 2022
Amanda Seyfried deserves an award for her incredible portrayal of Elizabeth Holmes In the Drop Out , the fact that she was able to humanize this monster and made her look like an actual person while Elizabeth herself looked like a robot is what I admire the most about her performance , this one of the most accurate portrayal of a psychopath .
The Drop Out is one of the best mini series that I have ever seen ,its not to be missed .
The Drop Out is one of the best mini series that I have ever seen ,its not to be missed .
not awesome, but its actually surprisingly good.
quaseprovisorio25 March 2022
I've seen 7 episodes so far. The main issue with this, is how quickly some events happen. They want to put too much information in a small amount of time and that is noticeable. Given that, i was pleasantly surprised: i followed theranos story, read the carreyrou articles and saw interviews with him, watched a whole bunch of videos... and still i can be entertained by this. They made it interesting to follow and it has a good pace. The characters could have been better developed in general, but they are fine.
Plus the cast is actually pretty good, there is great atinge in the show. It could have told the story differentwise? Maybe, but its still pretty good on explaining what happened.
Plus the cast is actually pretty good, there is great atinge in the show. It could have told the story differentwise? Maybe, but its still pretty good on explaining what happened.
Spectacular worthy of the 6 nominations
UniqueParticle28 July 2022
I was curious about this for awhile and decided to officially toady cause I noticed it's up for numerous emmy's plus caught up on other shows I've been into. Anyway I didn't realize this is based on the real Elizabeth Holmes, I don't think my mom did either when she watched the series. The Dropout is brilliantly written and acted; amazing mini series throughout! Amanda Seyfeild is magnificent is pretty much anything originally watched her in Mean Girls that was an breakout role and the soundtrack is great!
Well this was good
karinahatem30 July 2022
Slow start, but things start rolling in e4. To better enjoy this show, once needs to be familiar with the Theranos story, Amanda did a fantastic job portraying Elizabeth Holmes, the way she walks, talks, make up, she even mastered the voice. She truly deserves an award for her performance. All in all, the shows was way more enjoyable, than the documentary made by HBO.
Worth It For Seyfried No Matter How You View The Material Treatment
zkonedog16 April 2022
Warning: Spoilers
I came into "The Dropout" knowing absolutely nothing about Elizabeth Holmes or Theranos. Ultimately, I think this perhaps worked to my disadvantage in watching this miniseries. However, when all is said and done, it still ends up being a solid peek behind the curtain of what blatant dishonesty and false images can lead to.
For a very basic overview, "The Dropout" tells the story of Holmes (Amanda Seyfried), the founder of Theranos--a medical blood-testing company that was supposed to revolutionize that industry. The problem? The entire company was as big of a lie as Holmes' made-up persona, debunking investors and putting real people's health at risk.
For the first 4 episodes, this series really focuses in on Holmes, from her college days at Stanford, to dropping out to start Theranos, and her transformation from young girl to turtleneck-wearing, bright red lipstick-touting icon. These are the episodes I enjoyed the most, as they gave off incredible "The Social Network" vibes. Not knowing what Holmes was ultimately going to turn into, this was all fascinating to me.
The back 4 episodes then shift the focus to Theranos as a company and its eventually downfall at the hands of journalistic reporting and federal regulations. A lot of time is given to Holmes' co-conspirator (or partner, depending on how you look at it) Sunny Balwani (Naveen Andrews). I found these episodes to be good, but not as riveting as the opening salvo. To me, the life of this story is "person" (Holmes), not "company" (Theranos).
Andrews is of course a LOST vet, while other acting talents like Laurie Metcalf, Kurtwood Smith, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, William H. Macy, Stephen Fry, Sam Waterston, & even Alan Ruck are present here and there. But it is truly Seyfried's remarkable performance that gives "The Dropout" almost all of its spark. This is the kind of turn that can (and should) vault Seyfried into the upper echelon of actresses currently plying their trade. Her quirky mannerisms, odd voice, and careful crafted visual presentation (makeup, lipstick, clothing, etc.) will draw your eyes and attention in every scene she is in. As slam-dunk of an award-winning performance as has ever been given.
Like I said, overall I think my enjoyment of "The Dropout" may have been hurt a bit by "coming in blind". I didn't know what Holmes would eventually become, so that dramatic shift was quite as thrilling for me. My main enjoyment came from the examination of Holmes from many different angles (familial, personal, psychological, etc.), and that was clearly only meant to be half the story here (the other half, of course, being Theranos itself, which wasn't quite as enthralling to me). Overall, though, I land on a solid 8/10 stars despite the potential slippage towards the end of its run.
For a very basic overview, "The Dropout" tells the story of Holmes (Amanda Seyfried), the founder of Theranos--a medical blood-testing company that was supposed to revolutionize that industry. The problem? The entire company was as big of a lie as Holmes' made-up persona, debunking investors and putting real people's health at risk.
For the first 4 episodes, this series really focuses in on Holmes, from her college days at Stanford, to dropping out to start Theranos, and her transformation from young girl to turtleneck-wearing, bright red lipstick-touting icon. These are the episodes I enjoyed the most, as they gave off incredible "The Social Network" vibes. Not knowing what Holmes was ultimately going to turn into, this was all fascinating to me.
The back 4 episodes then shift the focus to Theranos as a company and its eventually downfall at the hands of journalistic reporting and federal regulations. A lot of time is given to Holmes' co-conspirator (or partner, depending on how you look at it) Sunny Balwani (Naveen Andrews). I found these episodes to be good, but not as riveting as the opening salvo. To me, the life of this story is "person" (Holmes), not "company" (Theranos).
Andrews is of course a LOST vet, while other acting talents like Laurie Metcalf, Kurtwood Smith, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, William H. Macy, Stephen Fry, Sam Waterston, & even Alan Ruck are present here and there. But it is truly Seyfried's remarkable performance that gives "The Dropout" almost all of its spark. This is the kind of turn that can (and should) vault Seyfried into the upper echelon of actresses currently plying their trade. Her quirky mannerisms, odd voice, and careful crafted visual presentation (makeup, lipstick, clothing, etc.) will draw your eyes and attention in every scene she is in. As slam-dunk of an award-winning performance as has ever been given.
Like I said, overall I think my enjoyment of "The Dropout" may have been hurt a bit by "coming in blind". I didn't know what Holmes would eventually become, so that dramatic shift was quite as thrilling for me. My main enjoyment came from the examination of Holmes from many different angles (familial, personal, psychological, etc.), and that was clearly only meant to be half the story here (the other half, of course, being Theranos itself, which wasn't quite as enthralling to me). Overall, though, I land on a solid 8/10 stars despite the potential slippage towards the end of its run.
Poor interpretation
aimee9259 March 2022
Anyone that's been following this case for years will know what an awful representation Amanda Sigfreid has given to the actual E. Holmes. She was a cold, calculated, sociopath. This "documentary" is trying to paint her as a poor little, badly treated girl. Pathetic.
Some of the positive reviews are shocking, and actually not believable, luckily these people weren't a part of the jury that found her GUILTY of conspiracy and wired fraud.
If you want to watch a real documentary on this person, with her coworkers thoughts on it all, and the investors she bilked, watch the HBO doc by famed director/documentarian Alex Gibney, "The Inventor: Out for blood in Silicon Valley."
Some of the positive reviews are shocking, and actually not believable, luckily these people weren't a part of the jury that found her GUILTY of conspiracy and wired fraud.
If you want to watch a real documentary on this person, with her coworkers thoughts on it all, and the investors she bilked, watch the HBO doc by famed director/documentarian Alex Gibney, "The Inventor: Out for blood in Silicon Valley."
Superb acting
pushanbanerjee3 May 2022
While I knew the story, this series is brought to life by Amanda Seyfried. Her mannerisms, the way she acts around people and her singular drive is a treat to watch. And man how can we forget Naveen Andrews. It's on their shoulders this series rests and it's a stellar result. Last thumbs for the always dependable William H Macy for his turn. Go watch this great series.
Alan Ruck as insufferable Walgreens exec is the best part
julieshotmail7 April 2022
A far superior storytelling of this incredible series of events is "The Inventor" documentary on HBO released in 2019. This Hulu series, "The Dropout," is apparently based on a podcast which I am not familiar with, so I am not sure how closely it follows the podcast narrative. My takeaway from watching "The Dropout" is a dirty feeling and not getting all of the questions answered. I wonder throughout the series whether Amanda Seyfried is terribly miscast or if she is actually doing a perfect job capturing the awkwardness and cringe-inducing capabilities of Elizabeth Holmes. I certainly am cringing every time Elizabeth the character opens her mouth, and when I watch YouTube videos of the real Elizabeth, I cringe even more. The flow of the story in this series leaves a lot to be desired, with certain facts and events seemingly omitted, and caricatures made out of the mom, lawyer, and even George Shultz. Things do pick up in the middle with the arrival of Alan Ruck's portrayal of a Walgreens exec. He is a hoot. I enjoy all of the episodes that Alan Ruck is in, and I become saddened when that storyline is over and we wouldn't be seeing him again.
Nothing like the book Bad Blood
a_nzj66417 March 2022
I read the book Bad Blood before I watched this, and this is far from anything like the book.
Maybe this is from the point of view of Elizabeth Holmes, but according to what I read in the book and the follow up news, I think this is far off from the truth.
Moreover, the story was very fragmented and lack of structure.
Maybe this is from the point of view of Elizabeth Holmes, but according to what I read in the book and the follow up news, I think this is far off from the truth.
Moreover, the story was very fragmented and lack of structure.
So Far...
marymcfarland-018665 March 2022
This is actually good. I never would have put Amanda in this role, but she's doing a solid job.
I LOVE Naveen, and he's excellent, but I think he's too old for this role. But still, he nails it, even given the unrealistic age portrayal between him and Amanda.
IRL she was 19 and he was 30 something. So...do the math. Neither matches up.
Even with that, they give solid portrayals of the characters.
Thumbs up so far.
I LOVE Naveen, and he's excellent, but I think he's too old for this role. But still, he nails it, even given the unrealistic age portrayal between him and Amanda.
IRL she was 19 and he was 30 something. So...do the math. Neither matches up.
Even with that, they give solid portrayals of the characters.
Thumbs up so far.
Fantastic
Maxax77717 March 2022
I don't get it - but it's just impossible to stop watching!!! I guess it's like a train wreck - you just have to look! I think the whole thing is VERY VERY well done. Amanda nails it!!! She is fantastic in this role - along with everyone else! It's just a well made series about a complete disaster!!!
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