Aaron Sorkin revisits Facebook in ‘The Social Reckoning’

Aaron Sorkin is returning to the world of Facebook with “The Social Reckoning,” a dramatic thriller that shifts the focus from the social network’s creation to the internal disclosures that triggered renewed scrutiny of its influence on users and public life.

Written and directed by Sorkin, the film is a companion piece to 2010’s “The Social Network,” which he wrote and David Fincher directed.

“The Social Reckoning” centers on Frances Haugen, portrayed by Mikey Madison, and Wall Street Journal reporter Jeff Horwitz, played by Jeremy Allen White, as they work to expose information contained in internal Facebook documents.

Jeremy Strong portrays Facebook co-founder Mark Zuckerberg, taking over the role played by Jesse Eisenberg in the earlier film.

The story draws from events surrounding “The Facebook Files,” the Wall Street Journal’s 2021 investigative series based on internal company documents provided by Haugen.

The reporting examined Facebook’s internal research and decision-making on issues including teen well-being, misinformation and content linked to political violence.

“The Social Network was about how Facebook was invented. The Social Reckoning is about what social media has become,” Sorkin says.

Unlike “The Social Network,” which dramatized Facebook’s beginnings and the legal battles surrounding its rise, the new film takes place after the platform had grown into one of the world’s most influential technology companies.

“The Social Network” received eight Academy Award nominations and won three Oscars, including best adapted screenplay for Sorkin.

Books behind the story

Sorkin found the basis for the companion film in Haugen’s “The Power of One” and Horwitz’s “Broken Code,” which recount the whistleblower disclosures and Facebook’s internal struggles over its platforms.

Haugen’s memoir, first published in 2023, recounts her decision to copy and disclose thousands of pages of internal Facebook documents.

Horwitz’s 2023 book expands on his reporting for “The Facebook Files” and examines internal efforts to understand and address problems across Facebook’s platforms.

“When I came across those two books, suddenly there was a very dramatic story,” says Sorkin.

“I spent hours with Jeff and Frances, at first unsure of exactly what I was looking for.”

“But as the script’s focus began to take shape, I was able to use my time with them more and more productively, looking for very specific answers to how they took on this investigation.”

Haugen, Horwitz take center stage

“The Social Reckoning” also focuses on the relationship between Haugen and Horwitz as they challenge one of the world’s biggest technology companies.

“What interested me most about Frances is that so many people like her found a new lease on life from social media, a place where they could fully be who they are.”

“She knows its potential first-hand,” says Sorkin.

“And then I saw Jeff as a stand-in for the audience, this guy who doesn’t get this world or its language and is learning what is happening inside it as he goes along.”

Fincher did not return to direct the new film, but Sorkin said the filmmaker remained involved as a supporter of the project.

“David read it right away and a couple of hours later, sent me an email that said, ‘This is nitroglycerin.’”

“He has been very supportive throughout and a real cheerleader of the movie,” says Sorkin.

Sorkin said the film uses multiple timelines to gradually reveal how its characters and events connect.

“The movie has what I hope is a fun structure for the audience,” reflects Sorkin.

“The different timelines put you on the edge of your seat and become a puzzle until you see all the connections.”

“Then, in the third act you see Facebook with its hands on the levers and dials of public conversation at a crucial moment.”

“The Social Reckoning” opens in Philippine cinemas Oct. 7, two days ahead of its wider Oct. 9 theatrical release.