The Social Reckoning (2026)

The Social Reckoning

• What do you get when you follow up the Mona Lisa with a banana taped to a wall with duct tape? ‘The Social Reckoning’! I’m kidding, that’s really harsh, but it’s still a decent comparison. ‘The Social Network’ is one of the greatest films ever made, so to create a sequel, much less one on the same level, is a tall order. The order came up a few items short, but I still had a good time with this. I was holding out hope it was gonna be great, because Aaron Sorkin (who wrote the first one) was going to write this and direct it himself. I wouldn’t say he did a bad job with it, I just don’t think he’s a director. The writing was pretty decent, though it doesn’t compare to the first film. It’s digestible and slightly riveting, but it doesn’t blow me away, and lost me once or twice. The story was fun to watch, as it balances real life elements such as politics and social media regulation. I love seeing “current event” films, such as ‘Eddington’. In that sense, watching this was a little traumatic, mostly because it covers COVID and the January 6th insurrection (f*ck you, MAGA). Everything still feels so recent, but covering the backside of those events, in terms of social media and big tech, was intriguing. And if you know me, you know I’m very vocal about politics, and very passionate, so I enjoyed that aspect of the film. I also really enjoyed Mikey Madison, Jeremy Allen White, and Jeremy Strong. It’s not their best performances, but I thought they were all pretty good, and I will NOT tolerate any Jeremy Strong hate (looking at you, DiscussingFilm). He’s goofy and basically a caricature, but he does the job. Burr and Mosaku were also good, and shoutout to Mulholland Drive’s Patrick Fischler. The score was decent, and I always love to hear something from Alexandre Desplat, one of my favorite composers ever. The cinematography was very bland, the editing was bland, and just the overall vibe is bland. But there’s still a lot to like, if you want to like it. I chose to enjoy it, and I did. I guess we just have to wait for the third installment in another 10-15 years, depending on whatever controversy Zucc is surrounded in. Anyways, this film was good, not great, but underrated. You also don’t necessarily have to have seen the first one, either. I would obviously watch the first one, but it’s not necessary. So yeah, I would recommend to most drama fans, just don’t raise your expectations.