I remember when I first saw Ben McKenzie. I watched the pilot for The O.C., and subsequently followed the run of the series. Turns out I’m not the only one who remembers McKenzie fondly from that series. In fact, it’s one of the charming jokes that kicks off his new documentary, Everyone is Lying to You for Money, which opens in limited release Friday.

Before starring as Ryan Atwood, McKenzie earned a college degree in economics. So, when a friend suggested crypto currency, he decided to give it a look. What he found alarmed him, so McKenzie decided to dig deeper and raise the alarm. That led to hiring a crew and filming this documentary.

That documentary dives deep into the world of crypto, but it’s also about McKenzie and his own journey. That includes some of his work researching, his interactions with the world, and the charming back-and-forth with his wife, fellow actress Morena Baccarin, as he explores this subject. All of it comes together in a vibrant and engaging way that helps educate and inform.

We follow McKenzie as he dives deep into the topic and makes a connection with an anonymous witness. He travels to El Salvador, where a new leader made big promises about crypto. And he even lands an interview with Sam Bankman-Fried before he lands in legal hot water.

All of it leads McKenzie to write a book and, later, to testify before Congress. It’s a fascinating look at the world and how this simple suggestion turned into a years-long quest captured for a fascinating and engaging film.

Prior to the film, I didn’t know much about crypto currency except that I should stay away. This film tells you that’s a good idea, and also explains why and why it’s a problem. It’s an educational deep dive that looks at all phases of the industry, traveling across the United States and parts of the world.

The film also works because of McKenzie. He’s not just the director, he’s the key figure in front of the camera. The screen presence that’s made him a star in scripted fare works well here, too. He does a good job in interviews and a great job with the voiceovers that help tie it all together.

A good documentary informs and entertains. That’s what we get with Everyone is Lying to You for Money, a fun and creative look at crypto currency, its dangers, and how its rise and fall has left a trail of damage and broken dreams in its wake. The film opens in limited release this Friday.

Matthew Fox is a graduate of the Radio, Television and Film program at Biola University, and a giant nerd. He spends his free time watching movies, TV, and obsessing about football. He is a member of the FSWA. You can find him @knighthawk7734 on Twitter and as co-host of the Fantasy Football Roundtable Podcast.