Despite being written by David Mamet and directed by David Fincher, I was not as bowled over by The Social Network in 2010. Consequently, I was not outraged about it losing out at the Oscars to The King’s Speech, though there were many better films than both. It seems that the same American critics who overpraised the original have decided that this sequel (or ‘companion piece’ as it is being billed) is rubbish before seeing it, based on the trailer, the fact that Mamet is directing and because it had extensive re-shoots.
Mamet’s story focuses on the 2021 Facebook data leak by the courageous whistle-blower Frances Haugen and journalist Jeff Horwitz. Mikey Madison, in her first role since Anora plays Haugen and Jeremy Allen White is Horwitz with Jeremy Strong, adept at playing villains, takes over the role of Mark Zuckerberg.
Sorkin will always be a better writer than director, and a lot of his trademark zippy dialogue really sparkles here, even when it is conveying quite a lot of technical information. That is not to say that his direction is at all poor. It is quite workmanlike, but that is all the compelling story needs.
Both Madison and White are superb, making a great double act, and Strong captures both the uncomfortable posture and vocal cadences of one of the planet’s most dangerous men really well. There is a solid supporting cast, with Jeff’s bosses at the paper, played by Betty Gilpin and Gbenga Akinnagbe, sharing some very entertaining scenes with him.
You could argue that despite Frances’ and Jeff’s efforts nothing has improved. In fact, Zuckerberg has further weaponised his platforms to propagate his despicable views, and those of the far right who he is in thrall of, in the name of free speech. However, I fail to see how that can be considered a criticism of this important and thrilling movie.
Rating: 9 out of 10