Hating a movie can be just as engaging and possibly more enjoyable than loving it. A film that is noticeably foolish, poorly conceptualized, or morally objectionable can spark as much contemplation and conversation as one that is truly impactful. In both scenarios, there is at least some element that provokes interest.
This is what makes it disheartening to come across a film like “The Social Reckoning.” The sequel, written and directed by Aaron Sorkin, to “The Social Network” – the remarkable 2010 Facebook origin tale scripted by Sorkin and helmed by David Fincher – falls into the category of those rare, reprehensible anti-art productions.
“The Social Reckoning” is so lacking in substance and originality that it fails to elicit genuine disdain, despite attempting to position itself as perpetually relevant. It is generally so uninteresting and uninspiring that it lacks the depth or viewpoint to even disagree with, let alone actively dislike.
The film, centered on the problems of social media and corporate-controlled conformity, could ironically reflect the very issue Sorkin aims to uncover: the abundance of subpar, unengaging “content” saturating our feeds and personalized pages.
Despite the rich source material, the film disappoints, especially considering the involvement of some of the industry’s more intriguing talents. “The Social Reckoning” delves into Facebook’s era of exponential growth and promises to critique one of the tech industry’s three major figures of disaster.
The narrative revolves around exposing a covert malpractice known as MSI (Meaningful Social Interactions) that has destabilized governments, corrupted minds, and eroded the concept of truth. The portrayal of Mark Zuckerberg’s downfall by Jeremy Strong adds a layer of intrigue to the story.
However, the film fails to leverage Strong’s talents effectively, with the blame falling squarely on Sorkin. For audiences familiar with Sorkin’s signature stylized dialogue and contrived scenarios, “The Social Reckoning” is a letdown. The film lacks substance, resorting to a contrived and sentimental narrative that glosses over its critical themes.
In the end, “The Social Reckoning” falls short due to its lack of risk-taking and purpose, making it a forgettable and unremarkable viewing experience. It pales in comparison to its predecessor, “The Social Network,” which delved deep into its characters’ psyches, while “Reckoning” merely scratches the surface. A piece of art devoid of passion and courage is perhaps the greatest disappointment of all.