The Social Network is a 2010 American biographical drama film directed by David Fincher and written by Aaron Sorkin.
It is based on the 2009 book The Accidental Billionaires by Ben Mezrich, which chronicles the founding of Facebook and the legal battles that ensued. The film stars Jesse Eisenberg as Mark Zuckerberg, the co-founder of Facebook, alongside Andrew Garfield as Eduardo Saverin, Justin Timberlake as Sean Parker, and Armie Hammer as the Winklevoss twins.
The narrative unfolds primarily through a series of flashbacks as Zuckerberg creates Facebook while attending Harvard University. The film explores themes of ambition, betrayal, and the complexities of friendship as Zuckerberg faces lawsuits from both the Winklevoss twins, who claim he stole their idea, and from Saverin, who feels betrayed after being sidelined in the company. The screenplay is noted for its sharp dialogue and intricate character development, effectively capturing the tension and drama surrounding the rise of one of the world's most influential social media platforms.
Released on October 1, 2010, The Social Network received widespread critical acclaim, praised for its direction, screenplay, and performances, particularly that of Eisenberg. The film was a commercial success, grossing approximately $224.9 million worldwide against a budget of $40 million. It garnered eight Academy Award nominations, winning three, including Best Adapted Screenplay for Sorkin and Best Original Score for Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross.
The film's portrayal of Zuckerberg as a complex and often morally ambiguous character sparked discussions about the ethical implications of social media and the personal costs of success. The Social Network is regarded as a defining film of the 2010s, reflecting the cultural and technological shifts of the digital age while offering a compelling narrative about ambition and the pursuit of innovation.