The Social Reckoning is flopping at the box office
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As important as some of the messages in The Social Reckoning are, the movie has been drastically underperforming at the box office. Per Variety, Aaron's Sorkin's follow up to The Social Network only grossed a measly $5.5 million this past weekend against a budget that's somewhere within the $30-42 m
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A nearly empty multiplex theater showing 'The Social Reckoning,' with a single viewer in a plush recliner, headphones on, engrossed in the movie.
Caption: Sometimes, even great cinema isn't enough to stop scrolling.
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Based on the original story on theverge.com.
Editor's note
While The Social Reckoning tackles important issues surrounding social media and its impact on society, its disappointing box office performance highlights the challenge of balancing crucial messaging with broad audience appeal. It's a reminder that even the most well-intentioned stories need to connect with viewers on a personal level to truly make a lasting impact.
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Panel 1
(a) What the subject is: The Social Reckoning is a film by Aaron Sorkin, known for his sharp dialogue and historical dramas, focusing on the rise of social media's impact on society. The movie has a high budget but is failing to draw audiences to the theaters. (b) The real irony or absurdity: A high-budget film with a significant message about social media's impact is failing to draw crowds, despite the topic's relevance to today's society. (c) The single funniest observation: The film's failure to attract audiences is ironic because it's about the very thing (social media) that has arguably replaced traditional moviegoing for many people. ---
Panel 2
*A crowded coffee shop, filled with people hunched over their smartphones and tablets. The background shows a digital ad for on a tablet screen.* Barista (To a customer) Customer (Not looking up from their phone) ---
Narrator: The Social Reckoning
Barista: You got time for a movie about how social media changed the world?
Customer: Nah, I'm too busy scrolling through Instagram to watch someone tell me how to live.
Panel 3
*A dimly lit theater lobby with a poster for in the background. A bored ticket seller looks at the poster while a few disinterested people browse movie tickets.* Ticket Seller (Looking at the poster) Man (Glancing at his phone) ---
Narrator: The Social Reckoning
Ticket Seller: So, did you come to see the film about social media's impact?
Man: Nah, I'm here for the free WiFi and snacks.
Panel 4
*A dark, nearly empty theater with a few scattered people in their seats. A bored usher stands by the door, looking at his phone. The screen shows a text message from a friend saying, * Usher (To a couple entering) Couple (Looking at their phones, ignoring the usher)
Narrator: Netflix has new shows tonight.
Usher: Welcome to the social media documentary. Enjoy the show while you can!
Couple: We're just here for the quiet. No one's around to bother us.
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