Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

Where to Watch

Loading streaming options...

Screenwise Verdict

Money Electric is a solid, if niche, documentary that will absolutely fascinate the right audience—tech-curious teens, crypto enthusiasts, finance nerds—and bore everyone else to tears.

The educational value is real: it's a primer on Bitcoin, blockchain, and the philosophical questions around decentralized currency. The investigative approach models critical thinking and evidence evaluation. And the central mystery (who is Satoshi Nakamoto?) is genuinely compelling if you're into that sort of thing.

But let's be honest: this is a 100-minute documentary about cryptocurrency investigation. It's talking heads, code explanations, and financial theory. If your kid isn't already asking questions about Bitcoin, this isn't going to suddenly hook them. The 6.8 IMDB and 3.1 Letterboxd ratings reflect this—it's fine, not great, and very much for a specific crowd.

The controversial element is the film's attempt to identify Satoshi, which many in the crypto community view as invasive and potentially harmful. That's worth discussing if you watch together.

Bottom line: Great enrichment for teens interested in tech and finance. Everyone else can skip it without missing much.

Age Fit

This is firmly adult-oriented content, best for ages 15-16+ who already have interest in technology, finance, or investigative journalism. Younger teens will find it dry and inaccessible; adults interested in crypto culture will get the most out of it.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

68

Documentary format with investigative journalism tone. Focuses on financial technology and mystery-solving rather than interpersonal drama. No evidence of toxic behavior modeling, though the subject matter involves speculation and conspiracy theories around identity. The investigative approach is methodical rather than sensationalized, though the hunt for Satoshi's identity could feel invasive to some viewers.

Imaginative

72

Explores a genuinely intriguing modern mystery—the identity of Bitcoin's creator—and investigates how decentralized currency could reshape global finance. The detective-work approach invites critical thinking about evidence, technology, and financial systems. However, it's primarily investigative rather than creatively expressive, and doesn't invite audience participation or creative building beyond intellectual engagement.

Safe

78

Documentary format with no violence, gore, nudity, or sexual content expected. Common Sense Media rates it 17+, likely due to complex financial concepts rather than inappropriate content. No evidence of triggering material, though discussions of financial power and surveillance could be unsettling. The main safety consideration is the speculative nature of identifying a real person who chose anonymity, which raises ethical questions but isn't harmful to viewers.

Enriching

76

Solid educational value around cryptocurrency, blockchain technology, financial systems, and investigative journalism methods. Raises important questions about privacy, power, and the future of money. IMDB 6.8 and 92% RT audience score suggest it's engaging enough to hold attention. However, the entertainment value is moderate—it's a talking-heads documentary about tech and finance, which will appeal to specific audiences but won't captivate everyone. The conclusion (attempting to unmask Satoshi) is controversial and may not satisfy viewers seeking definitive answers.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Explores a legitimately fascinating modern mystery: who is Satoshi Nakamoto and why does it matter?
Educational deep-dive into cryptocurrency, blockchain, and how decentralized finance could reshape global power structures
Investigative journalism approach teaches critical thinking about evidence, claims, and technological systems
Relevant to teens who are curious about crypto, tech entrepreneurship, or financial independence
High audience score (92% RT) suggests it's engaging for people interested in the subject matter

⚠

What to Watch For

This is dense, technical material—if your teen isn't already interested in crypto or finance, they'll likely zone out
The documentary's attempt to unmask Satoshi is ethically questionable and the conclusion is controversial (many in the crypto community dispute the findings)
Requires sustained attention and patience; it's a slow-burn investigation, not an action-packed thriller
May inadvertently hype cryptocurrency without fully exploring risks, scams, or environmental concerns

Conversation Starters

"Do you think it's ethical to try to unmask someone who clearly wanted to remain anonymous? Why or why not?"
"If Bitcoin becomes mainstream, who do you think should have control over it—governments, tech companies, or should it stay decentralized?"
"What would you do if you created something revolutionary but wanted to stay anonymous?"
"How do you think cryptocurrency could change how we think about money and banks?"
"The doc focuses on finding Satoshi—but is that even the most important question about Bitcoin?"

Ask Anything

Get a personalized guide on any topic

Writing about Money Electric: The Bitcoin Mystery? Put this WISE score on your site