The Social Network might not be a “perfect” movie in a traditional sense, but it’s as close as any film has come in the 21st century. Directed by David Fincher and written by Aaron Sorkin, this 2010 masterpiece remains endlessly rewatchable, endlessly quotable, and deeply resonant in ways that continue to evolve with time. I’ve seen it more than any other movie—memorized its rhythm, its cutting dialogue, its thumping Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross score that pulses through every moment. It’s a film that never loses its edge, no matter how many times you revisit it.
At its core, The Social Network is a story about ambition, betrayal, and the corrosive effects of power—played out through the meteoric rise of Mark Zuckerberg (Jesse Eisenberg) and his fraught relationship with Eduardo Saverin (Andrew Garfield). It’s a film that captures the intoxicating thrill of creation, but also the ruthlessness that so often accompanies it. Few movies have ever deconstructed a friendship with this level of precision, turning what is essentially a legal drama into something electrifying.
Technically, the film is impeccable. Reznor and Ross deliver one of the defining scores of the 2010s, seamlessly weaving classical tones with electronic pulses that heighten every moment. The editing is a marvel, using two simultaneous depositions—one between Mark and Eduardo, another involving Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss (Armie Hammer, in a dual role) and Divya Narendra (Max Minghella)—to push the narrative forward in a way that never slows down. Sorkin’s script is at its twitchy, rapid-fire best, and Fincher’s signature precision ensures that every shot feels meticulously placed, every cut intentional.
The supporting cast is stacked, though not without its weak points. Justin Timberlake as Sean Parker is an initially questionable choice that somehow clicks after multiple viewings. The film struggles to give much depth to its female characters—Brenda Song and Rashida Jones are given little room to make an impact, which stands in contrast to some of Fincher’s later female-led films like Gone Girl and The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. But these are minor quibbles in a film that otherwise operates at the highest level in every regard.
From a storytelling perspective, The Social Network remains one of the most prescient films of its era. It dissects the origins of modern tech empires and the egos that drive them, offering a cold, calculating look at the birth of Facebook that only feels more relevant as time passes. Every player in this production—Fincher, Sorkin, Eisenberg, Garfield—is at the top of their game, delivering a movie that feels both intimate and massive in scope.
It’s my favorite movie of the 2010s. Maybe my favorite movie ever. Every time I revisit it, I find something new—some hidden detail in the script, an overlooked piece of framing, a fresh interpretation of its themes. Maybe The Social Network isn’t perfect. But I’ve yet to find a single frame that I would change.
Score: 10/10
The Social Network (2010)
- Cast: Jesse Eisenberg, Andrew Garfield, Armie Hammer, Josh Pence, Justin Timberlake, Max Minghella, Brenda Song, Rashida Jones, John Getz, Rooney Mara
- Director: David Fincher
- Genre: Drama
- Runtime: 121 minutes
- Rated: R
- Release Date: October 1, 2010
More Reviews for Movies Directed by David Fincher
Cinephile Corner has reviewed the following movies directed by David Fincher:
- Alien 3 (1992)
- Se7en (1995)
- The Game (1997)
- Fight Club (1999)
- Panic Room (2002)
- Zodiac (2007)
- The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008)
- The Social Network (2010)
- The Killer (2023)
More Reviews for Movies Starring Jesse Eisenberg
Cinephile Corner has reviewed the following movies starring Jesse Eisenberg:
- The Social Network (2010)
- A Real Pain (2024)