by Alice-Ginevra Micheli, Contributing Writer
It’s always strange when a sequel is made for what is considered a prestige film, one without a franchise beyond the real history that continued after the story so far. Some may say that The Social Reckoning is one of the strangest of those examples. The Social Network is arguably one of the best films of the 2010’s, so when the Aaron Sorkin-helmed follow-up was announced, it’s not surprising that there were a few comments on both its necessity and justification. Did we need to continue to follow Mark Zuckerberg, and his quest for riches? Has the adjustment of social media in our lives invited the creation of yet another film of this level?
Take into account, also, the fact that the world is in a much more cynical state than it was 16 years ago, and the question stands a little higher than before. What was once an interesting story about a wunderkind who changed the face of the internet forever, is now about someone at a level of being that rivals the oligarchs of yore. The relatability is gone, and with it, the capacity for the audience to find an ‘in’ with Zuckerberg, and his ilk. So, with all that said, is this movie worth it?
Already, we change pace, as this film decides instead to follow young Facebook engineer Frances Haugen (Mikey Madison), as she risks everything to help a technophobic reporter from the Wall Street Journal, Jeff Horwitz (Jeremy Allen White), uncover the truth behind what Facebook is doing within its walls, and to the world at large.
Unlike the quote, unquote “original,” this did not bring David Fincher back to the helm. Choosing to focus on other projects, Sorkin decided to pull double duty this time. Which is fine. Just that, fine. Like much of his previous work, Sorkin can aptly tell his written words visually in a way that is generally inoffensive to those viewing it. It’s not overly artsy, or pedantic, however it’s also not exciting in the choices it makes either. Unfortunately, the results are a pretty bland point of view.
Although the focus has shifted from the now megalomaniac Zuckerberg, this time played by Jeremy Strong, the film doesn’t really illustrate why this shift has any interest beyond the exposing of secrets that much of the world knows of already. It has all the good investigative reporting beats. A montage of evidence collection, a fun back-and-forth between writer, and source, and of course a framing of the ‘big bad,’ that they’ll supposedly be taking down with this work. What this more-often-than-not results in, is more like a paint-by-numbers, cookie-cutter movie, than a piece of art criticizing the heavies of society.
Similarly, while the writing hosts many of the great one-liners, and fast-paced verbal duels that have become commonplace in any Sorkin vehicle, it seems like the lack of focus present in the overall manifestation of this film also makes its way into the scenes at large. It’s just missing something. A certain je ne sais quois, that can take a script like this and elevate it from “good” to “great,” which ends up feeling like a shame more than anything else.
Following this pattern of merit, no more, no less, the performances delivered are also of a caliber that anyone would be happy to walk away with, but probably not ecstatic. Especially considering the infamous method acting of Strong, who is going full tilt with his retentive CEO portrayal of Zuckerberg, there wasn’t any wow factor here this time. This is especially prevalent when considering the 2010 entry, wherein most everyone cast performed so perfectly in their roles that they not only elevated the dialogue, but embodied their persona’ in a way that didn’t feel like imitation or untrue to life. None of the characters in The Social Reckoning are nearly as memorable. Once again, they’re fine. They do the job; they’re entertaining enough to see. But it’s also possible that anyone leaving the theatre will immediately let their minds forget all those moments.
All in all, there’s nothing inherently wrong with the film. It’s a fun investigative journalism movie, akin to the many famous ones that people like to refer to today, and which are certainly littering many a social media review right now. However, everything about this seems like it’s not of its time. Whether it’s because the overall story presented is quite a depressing one, especially when considering the actual state of the world right now, or whether it almost feels dated in the way it chooses to both frame its female characters, notably in its costuming, as well as make its way through the typical three-act structure, there is something not quite right in the final product.
Ultimately, The Social Reckoning is less of a retribution of the giant tech moguls who run the world, and more of a dramatization of history, through a lens of, some would say, misplaced hope. It’s hard not to say that nothing in this film mattered, but it doesn’t really prove otherwise. So, even with the film being perfectly fine, there is a sense of feeling deflated that inevitably comes as the first credits start to roll. What should be a fist pump moment is more of a collected sigh, and this movie is simply not good enough to distract from this fact.
Rating:Just Okay
The Social Reckoning is currently playing in Theaters
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