Ben McKenzie’s Debut Documentary Everyone Is Lying to You for Money: Tackling Misinformation

Ben McKenzie’s documentary Everyone Is Lying to You for Money examines media misinformation, political truth-telling and the cost of lies in modern America.

Actor-director Ben McKenzie isn’t afraid to make a bold statement. When we meet at a hotel in Miami to discuss his debut documentary, Everyone Is Lying to You for Money, he’s wearing a blue baseball cap stitched with the words “Make Lying Wrong Again.” That clear nod to a political slogan sets the tone: this film is equal parts cultural diagnosis and call to action.

Everyone Is Lying to You for Money dives into how misinformation spreads, who benefits from it, and why truth has become a commodity. McKenzie moves beyond sensational headlines to examine social media economics, political incentives, and the entertainment industry’s role in amplifying falsehoods. The documentary blends investigative reporting with personal interviews, showing that the problem is systemic rather than isolated.

As an actor-turned-director, Ben McKenzie brings a unique perspective to documentary filmmaking. Best known for roles on television, he leverages his public profile to open doors, secure candid conversations, and bring attention to a subject that impacts every corner of society. His approach is direct: he’s not simply indicting individuals, he’s asking viewers to reconsider how they consume news and infotainment.

Shot in Miami and other locations, the film balances on-the-ground reporting with thoughtful analysis. McKenzie interviews journalists, former insiders, and social media experts to trace the path from clickbait to real-world consequences. The documentary asks tough questions about accountability, journalistic ethics, and the financial incentives that keep misinformation alive.

Make Lying Wrong Again—both the hat slogan and the film’s central plea—resonates because it’s simple and actionable. The documentary doesn’t promise easy fixes, but it does offer practical steps: support independent journalism, demand transparency from platforms, and cultivate media literacy. For viewers unsettled by the speed and scale of modern misinformation, Everyone Is Lying to You for Money is a timely wake-up call.

Ben McKenzie’s debut documentary combines sharp political commentary with human stories, making it essential viewing for anyone concerned about truth in media. Whether you’re interested in the mechanics of disinformation or the ethics of public discourse, this film invites an urgent conversation about why honesty still matters—and how we can make lying less profitable for everyone.

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