The Social Reckoning Review
Jeremy Strong is captivating as an almost alien-like incarnation of Mark Zuckerberg and a smart and sympathetic Mikey Madison shines as the whistleblower who outed Facebook’s corporate secrets. But filmmaker Aaron Sorkin’s work here proves a mixed bag, delivering a sharp script but bringing it to life with workman-like direction.
The Social Reckoning, a film directed by Aaron Sorkin and released on October 9, revisits the controversial history of Facebook through the lens of journalist Jeff Horwitz and data scientist Frances Haugen. The movie, a sequel to 2010's The Social Network, directed by David Fincher, explores how Frances leaked sensitive information to Jeff, leading the Wall Street Journal to publish The Facebook Files in 2021.
The story delves into how Facebook's executives knowingly enabled a platform that negatively impacted users' well-being for financial gain. Despite strong performances from the cast, including Jeremy Strong as Mark Zuckerberg, the film struggles to match the impact of its predecessor. Sorkin's dialogue remains sharp and engaging, but the lack of personal conflict and the superficial character development leave many feeling like mere functionaries.
The film's attempt to evoke urgency through its subject matter falls short, as current events and new technological figures overshadow the message. Ultimately, The Social Reckoning serves as a reminder of Facebook's negative impact on society, but its message feels tired in a world where outrage is constantly being sparked by new news stories.
Written by urgent.news from IGN's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
