Sixteen years after the release of “The Social Network,” a film depicting Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg as an ambitious, socially awkward entrepreneur, a new movie titled “The Social Reckoning” offers a markedly different portrayal. Written by Aaron Sorkin, the film is set to premiere internationally on Wednesday and examines the darker aspects of Facebook’s impact, including accusations of facilitating hate speech, political polarization, and threats to democratic processes.

“The Social Reckoning” centers on the true story of Frances Haugen, the Facebook whistleblower who exposed internal company documents, and Jeff Horwitz, a Wall Street Journal reporter who helped bring the revelations to public attention in 2021 as part of the “Facebook Files.” Haugen is portrayed by Mikey Madison, known for her role in “Anora,” while Jeremy Allen White, of “Shameless” fame, plays Horwitz. Zuckerberg, depicted by Jeremy Strong from the television series “Succession,” is the pivotal figure whose decisions the film scrutinizes.

Speaking about the project, Sorkin emphasized that the film focuses more on the whistleblower and journalistic perspective rather than on exploring Zuckerberg’s motives, a contrast to the approach taken in the 2010 “The Social Network.” “This is a whistleblower story. It’s a newspaper story,” Sorkin said, noting that instead of attempting to understand Zuckerberg’s mindset in depth, the new film places him in a specific scenario confronting the consequences of Facebook’s policies.

That scenario revolves around Facebook’s choice not to fact-check political advertisements during the run-up to the 2020 U.S. presidential election—a decision that culminated in widespread controversy following former President Donald Trump’s challenge to the election results and the Capitol riot in January 2021. Sorkin framed this refusal as a defining moment that exposes the social media giant’s role in the unfolding political turmoil.

“The Social Network,” which won three Academy Awards, was scripted by Sorkin and directed by David Fincher. It portrayed Zuckerberg as a Harvard student who, uncomfortable with campus social structures, created Facebook as his own “cool kids table.” In contrast, “The Social Reckoning” bypasses such psychological exploration of Zuckerberg, now 42, who oversees Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and the developing “Metaverse.” Sorkin commented on Zuckerberg’s wealth, suggesting that his motivations likely transcend financial gain.

Jeremy Strong revealed in a recent interview that he had reached out to Zuckerberg via email ahead of filming to express his intent to approach the role with seriousness and respect, though he did not disclose whether he received a response. In the movie, Zuckerberg acknowledges his contentious public image, stating, “I know what people think of me.”

Due to the legal sensitivities associated with portraying a living figure with significant resources, the production underwent an extensive legal review. Sony Pictures engaged an outside law firm to oversee clearance, a more rigorous process than usual for non-fiction projects. Nevertheless, Sorkin maintained that legal considerations led to only minimal changes in the script, and he denied that reshoots were driven by legal concerns.

“The Social Reckoning” promises to provide a critical perspective on Facebook’s evolving legacy, contrasting with the earlier film’s portrayal of its founder, and highlighting the ethical and social challenges faced by one of the world’s most influential technology companies.