The Verge
Although the themes presented in The Social Reckoning are significant, the film has notably underperformed commercially. According to Variety, Aaron Sorkin's sequel to The Social Network generated a mere $5.5 million over the recent weekend, with production costs estimated between $30 and $42 million. This performance qualifies it as a substantial box office failure, imposing financial losses on Columbia Pictures and Sony, particularly when juxtaposed with The Social Network's impressive $22 million opening weekend.
The lackluster box office performance is not entirely unexpected, especially in light of the mixed critical reception the film has received. Currently, it holds a 55% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, and social media reactions have largely been negative. Many audience members may have anticipated a legitimate sequel to The Social Network, which garnered three Academy Awards for its screenplay (written by Sorkin), editing, and score. Moreover, reactions may stem from a disconnect with Mikey Madison's portrayal of whistleblower Frances Haugen or Jeremy Allen White's interpretation of Wall Street Journal reporter Jeff Horwitz. Madison herself remarked to The Hollywood Reporter that Sorkin's directorial approach hindered the authentic and faithful representation of a real person, an aspect she aspires to improve in future work. Additionally, it likely did not aid the film's prospects that Jesse Eisenberg, who played Mark Zuckerberg in The Social Network, chose not to participate, a point acknowledged by Sorkin.
In contrast, Blumhouse's Other Mommy achieved a remarkable $27.5 million at the box office this weekend, indicating a clear audience preference for fresh horror narratives over sobering reflections on the detrimental impacts of social media.
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