The Social Reckoning isn’t as angry or as potent as a Facebook drama should be
Aaron Sorkin’s attempt to return to the success of The Social Network is a strangely dated and incomplete look at a world that needs a sharper eye
TL;DR
- The Social Network (2010) was groundbreaking for treating online life as an extension of real-world dynamics, unlike earlier 90s internet films.
- The Social Reckoning, a new film by Aaron Sorkin, attempts to address perceived underestimations in the original film regarding Zuckerberg's ambition and the platform's flaws.
- The new film features a whistleblower, Frances Haugen, concerned about Facebook's role in radicalization, contrasting with a new portrayal of Zuckerberg.
- Critics find The Social Reckoning's analysis of the internet's impact on real-world events, like the January 6th riots, to be flawed and limited.
- The film is also criticized for its anachronistic cultural references, which date from the mid-20th century, making the depiction of the 2020s feel outdated.
- Ultimately, The Social Reckoning is seen as not being paranoid, angry, or scared enough to adequately address the complexities and dangers of social media in the current era.