Sosyal Climbers (2025) Movie Review – Where to Watch Online
“Sosyal Climbers” (2025) is the latest Filipino rom-com that delves into the struggles of two middle-class dreamers who find themselves entangled in a web of deception, love, and survival. Directed by Jason Paul Laxamana and written by Jericho Aguado, this film attempts to blend satire with romance while exploring socio-economic disparities in a capitalist world. With Maris Racal and Anthony Jennings leading the cast, does the movie live up to expectations? Let’s dive into an in-depth review.
Plot Overview
The story follows Ray (Anthony Jennings), a struggling financial advisor, and Jessa (Maris Racal), a real estate agent barely making ends meet. Their fateful meeting at a wake sparks an unconventional romance that leads them to move in together. In their quest for a better life, they devise a scheme to infiltrate high society, pretending to be part of the elite.
While their plan initially works, things take an unexpected turn when a financial scam is uncovered, leading to a series of complications that test their morals, relationship, and survival instincts. The film cleverly balances humor and drama, with an undercurrent of social commentary that makes it more than just a typical rom-com.
Acting and Chemistry
One of the strongest aspects of Sosyal Climbers is the undeniable chemistry between Maris Racal and Anthony Jennings. Their on-screen dynamic feels effortless, making their relationship engaging to watch. Maris, in particular, shines with her impeccable comedic timing, solidifying her reputation as a rom-com queen. Anthony complements her performance well, although at times, his character feels underdeveloped compared to hers.
Supporting actors like Carmi Martin as the over-the-top Tita Madeline add a layer of hilarity, while Ricky Davao’s subplot feels slightly misplaced, detracting from the main narrative.
Direction and Cinematography
Director Jason Paul Laxamana takes a bold approach in weaving romance with socio-economic critique. However, the film occasionally struggles with tonal inconsistencies—one moment it leans into satire, and the next, it pulls back for a more sentimental approach. Despite this, the cinematography is visually appealing, with stylish costume choices (especially Maris Racal’s emerald green dress, which became an instant fan favorite). The film embraces Manila’s vibrant yet contrasting high-society backdrop, effectively highlighting the stark difference between the rich and the working class.
Themes and Social Commentary
Beyond the romance and comedy, Sosyal Climbers makes a statement about wealth disparity, privilege, and survival in a capitalist society. The film explores how the working class often resorts to unconventional means just to get by, while the elite continue to thrive through systemic advantages. Some viewers appreciated this commentary, with one even stating, “There’s no ethical way to become a millionaire.” However, the movie hesitates to fully commit to this narrative, attempting to redeem its morally gray protagonists in a way that feels forced rather than bold.
Criticism and Weak Points
While Sosyal Climbers presents an interesting premise, it is not without its flaws:
- Inconsistent Tone – The film shifts between satire, romance, and drama but doesn’t fully commit to any. This makes some scenes feel uneven, leaving the audience uncertain about whether to laugh, sympathize, or reflect.
- Underdeveloped Conflict – The financial scam subplot, while essential, lacks proper buildup. The sudden shift in stakes feels abrupt, making it less impactful than it could have been.
- Predictability – The storyline follows the familiar rom-com formula, making it easy to predict how things will unfold.
Despite these issues, the movie remains an enjoyable watch, especially for fans of Filipino rom-coms.
Where to Watch Sosyal Climbers (2025) Online
For those interested in watching Sosyal Climbers, it is exclusively streaming on Netflix as an original film.
Streaming Services
- Netflix (Subscription Required) – As an original Netflix movie, Sosyal Climbers is available for streaming worldwide, including in the U.S.
Rental/Purchase Options
As of now, the film is not available for rent or purchase on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, or Google Play Movies. Since it is a Netflix Original, it is unlikely to be available on other streaming services in the near future.
Final Verdict: Is Sosyal Climbers Worth Watching?
While Sosyal Climbers is not without flaws, it offers an entertaining mix of comedy, romance, and social critique. Maris Racal and Anthony Jennings’ undeniable chemistry makes the film engaging, and its commentary on wealth disparity adds depth beyond the usual rom-com tropes. If you enjoy Filipino rom-coms with a bit of satire, this film is definitely worth a watch.
Have you watched Sosyal Climbers? Share your thoughts in the comments! If you haven’t, stream it now on Netflix and join the conversation. Don’t forget to follow for more in-depth movie reviews and recommendations!
