Review of ‘The Social Reckoning’

The Social Reckoning trailer has been released by Sony Pictures. The film, directed by Aaron Sorkin, stars Jeremy Strong, Jeremy Allen White, and Mikey Madison.

In the current political climate, technology giants once supported by the liberal left now face criticism for perceived associations with former President Donald Trump. This includes figures like Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, and notably Mark Zuckerberg, co-founder of Facebook and CEO of Meta.

Zuckerberg rose to fame with the platform’s emergence, chronicled in the 2010 film The Social Network. Directed by David Fincher and written by Sorkin, the movie depicted the creation of Facebook from Zuckerberg’s Harvard dorm. Notable performances and a riveting screenplay earned Eisenberg, Fincher, and Sorkin accolades.

Now, sixteen years later, The Social Reckoning is marketed as a sequel. It revisits the scandals chronicled in The Facebook Files, reported by Jeff Horowitz and whistleblower Frances Haugen. Allegations include using algorithms to incite hate, knowing Instagram’s impact on young girls’ mental health, and more.

Sorkin crafts a film that singularly blames Facebook for right-wing radicalism without addressing left-wing concerns. The film dramatizes Haugen’s revelations and links them to major events such as the Capitol riot.

The film casts Zuckerberg as a free speech advocate, yet Sorkin portrays him negatively, suggesting financial misuse at the expense of societal well-being.

Despite artistic inputs from talents like Jeff Cronenweth and Alexandre Desplat, the absence of Fincher’s direction leaves the film artistically lacking. Strong’s performance, though dedicated, doesn’t capture Zuckerberg’s depth as Eisenberg’s portrayal did.

This film aligns with a narrow narrative aimed at liberal viewers and journalist circles. Its aim seems to be more about imparting a lesson than entertaining, resulting in a piece seen as elitist and disconnected.

The film runs for 1 hour and 52 minutes and carries an R rating due to language. It’s available in theaters.

Joseph A. Wulfsohn, a media reporter for Fox News Digital, wrote this review. You can send story tips to [email protected] or reach out on Twitter: @JosephWulfsohn.