Double Feature: The Social Reckoning & Digger

Two phenomenal films back to back, and both have something to say about the power behind some of the biggest industries in the world: big tech in one, oil in the other. Both feel very relevant today.

The Social Reckoning · 8/10

Aaron Sorkin shows once again what an incredible screenwriter he is, and I'd expect nothing less. The dialogue is gripping from the very first scene. It's a masterclass in screenwriting, and in dialogue especially, which has always been Sorkin's wheelhouse. The acting is phenomenal across the board, and Jeremy Strong's Mark Zuckerberg is almost eerie. Its themes of social discourse, and of how people talk to each other, land hard right now. Well crafted, well written, well acted and well directed -- and it leaves you second-guessing the next time you open Facebook or Instagram on your phone. I'd go see it again tomorrow.

Digger · 8/10

Tom Cruise's Digger is mesmerizing, and unique, to say the least. It reminded me of Synecdoche, New York in a few ways, mostly in its meta, story-within-a-story structure. The effects are phenomenal, and it had me on the edge of my seat, not in a scary or thrilling way but in a fascinated one. I never quite knew where it was going until it got there. I want to watch it again too, but it's the kind of film that needs some time between viewings.

Every film does this to a degree for people who love the craft, but every now and then one comes along (in this case, two) that makes you want to go home and write: scenes, dialogue, a story within a story. That's what this double feature did for me. I left the theater thinking about storytelling, and that's something special.

The verdict: Hard to say which is the better film. They're so different. The Social Reckoning is the one I'd see again tomorrow; Digger is the one I'll want to sit with first. Go see either, or both, in theaters while you have the chance.