The film begins in 2003 at Harvard University, where Mark Zuckerberg (played by Jesse Eisenberg), a socially awkward computer science student, creates a website called Facemash. Facemash allows users to rate the attractiveness of their classmates, and it quickly gains popularity on campus but also gets Zuckerberg in trouble with the university administration.
In the climax, Zuckerberg’s website catches the attention of Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss (both played by Armie Hammer) and their business partner Divya Narendra (played by Max Minghella), who approach Zuckerberg with an idea for a social networking website called Harvard Connection. Zuckerberg agrees to work on the project but secretly starts developing his own social networking site called “TheFacebook.”
As the plot unfolds, Zuckerberg launches “TheFacebook” with the help of his friend Eduardo Saverin (played by Andrew Garfield) and their business partner Sean Parker (played by Justin Timberlake), the co-founder of Napster. “TheFacebook” quickly becomes a massive success, spreading to other colleges and attracting the attention of investors.
In the resolution, Zuckerberg faces legal challenges from the Winklevoss twins and Saverin, who claim that he stole their idea and cheated them out of their share of the company. The film alternates between scenes of Zuckerberg’s legal depositions and flashbacks to the events leading up to the lawsuit.
The film concludes with Zuckerberg settling the lawsuits and agreeing to pay damages to his former partners. Despite the legal battles and personal conflicts, Facebook continues to grow and become one of the most successful companies in the world.
“The Social Network” is praised for its sharp writing, compelling performances, and nuanced portrayal of the complex characters involved in the founding of Facebook. It explores themes of ambition, betrayal, and the impact of technology on human relationships, making it a thought-provoking and highly acclaimed film.