New film 'The Social Reckoning' targets Meta and its CEO
Opening this fall, 'The Social Reckoning' scrutinizes Meta's and Facebook's societal impact. Director Aaron Sorkin describes the film as a critical follow-up to the 2010 success 'The Social Network'.
Sony Pictures is set to release 'The Social Reckoning' on October 9, a film that critically examines the role of tech giant Meta and its founder Mark Zuckerberg in contemporary society. Directed by Aaron Sorkin, the new movie addresses the impact of social media, particularly Facebook, on societal polarization and the rise of extremism.
The film arrives at a time when Meta faces significant scrutiny and legal challenges. Last week, Meta's parent company agreed to pay up to $18 billion in penalties over claims that its platforms endangered children. Sorkin himself has stated that 'The Social Reckoning' aims not only to entertain but also to alarm viewers.
'The Social Reckoning' is not a direct sequel to Sorkin's acclaimed 2010 film 'The Social Network.' While it still centers on Mark Zuckerberg, the film depicts him and his company at a dramatically different stage, where the implications of social media are more complex and far-reaching. Sorkin expressed initial hesitation to revisit the subject due to the legacy of 'The Social Network,' but felt compelled by a significant new story.
The film features characters based on Frances Haugen (Mikey Madison), a former Facebook data scientist who became a whistleblower in 2021, testifying that Facebook's algorithms prioritize profit over public safety. Jeremy Allen White plays Wall Street Journal reporter Jeff Horwitz. Jeremy Strong portrays Mark Zuckerberg. Meta has not publicly commented on the film.