'The Social Reckoning' Review
Release Date: 10/09/26 [Cinemas]
Genre: Biography. Drama. Thriller.
MPAA: Rated R.
Distributor: Sony Pictures Entertainment.
The Verdict: A Maybe
If you know me at all, or even know anything about my film fandom, you know David Fincher’s The Social Network (2010) matters a lot to me. I feel it is a perfect film; the script, storytelling, pacing, direction, score, basically every element, deserves to be idolized and studied for its achievement. Weirdly enough, the film became what some people would call a “comfort film” for me; at one point, during the height of COVID lockdown, I watched it almost every day for a week. I couldn’t get enough. The script is clever and sharp, Sorkin at his best, and every time I watch it I find a new favorite line of dialogue. I’ve said this before: do perfect films need an unnecessary sequel? My first reaction to learning about a follow-up to The Social Network was a deep sigh, but I felt hopeful it could still tell an important and timely story.
The best thing about The Social Reckoning is its Sorkin pace. The dialogue drives the film and keeps that quick, steady Sorkin pace he is well known for. However, the dialogue isn't nearly as iconic or memorable as its predecessor. Sometimes the dialogue was downright cheesy and cringey; other times it worked. The direction felt a bit off with Sorkin at the driver’s seat, as opposed to Fincher, which brought down the overall feel of the story's delivery. The timeline jumps back and forth from the preparation for Zuckerberg’s (Jeremy Strong) congressional testimony and the behind-the-scenes research and uncovering of The Wall Street Journal’s The Facebook Files, led by investigative journalist Jeff Horwitz (Jeremy Allen White) and Facebook Civic Integrity employee and ultimate source Frances Haugen (Mikey Madison), with it all coming to a head with the infamous January 6th insurrection at the Capitol. The timeline is easy to follow overall, but it feels somewhat rushed at the end and made me question its accuracy. The cult-like Facebook employees are subtle at first but so consistent throughout that they reveal the toxic culture of a massive conglomerate that considers itself above consequences or integrity-based decisions for the overall good, and instead focuses unquestioningly on maintaining its stance no matter what happens.
Strong captures the robotic, pure creepiness at Zuckerberg's core. Allen White is believable, committed, and passionate as the journalist. Madison is almost awkward at times,, but it’s unclear whether that is her character portrayal or the overall delivery, as her character is extremely conflicted throughout; some of the performance unfortunately felt forced. Bill Burr, who plays Charlie, a fictionalized early investor in Facebook and a former ally and advisor turned critic of Zuckerberg and his social media platforms, is no joke; he delivers one of the strongest performances!
Overall, The Social Reckoning tells an important story about media, influence, and greed–and that’s just scratching the surface! I would suggest everyone watch this, but I think most people won't go in with an open mind and will instead compare it to The Social Network, when in reality, there is no comparison.
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