Sydney Pollack’s Sabrina is a graceful, emotionally nuanced reimagining of the 1954 Audrey Hepburn classic, trading old-Hollywood sparkle for a more introspective and contemporary sensibility. Featuring Julia Ormond, Harrison Ford, and Greg Kinnear, this version gently modernizes the beloved tale while retaining its romantic core.
Sabrina Fairchild, the shy daughter of the Larrabee family’s chauffeur, has spent her life quietly pining for the younger son, David Larrabee (Greg Kinnear)—a charming playboy with little sense of responsibility. But everything changes after Sabrina spends time in Paris, emerging refined, radiant, and confident. Upon her return, David takes notice, much to the concern of his older brother Linus (Harrison Ford), the pragmatic head of the Larrabee business empire. Determined to protect a billion-dollar corporate merger that David’s new infatuation threatens, Linus intervenes with calculated intentions—only to fall in love himself.
Julia Ormond brings poise and vulnerability to Sabrina, capturing both her transformation and quiet strength with sincerity. Ford, cast against his usual heroic archetype, delivers a subtle and unexpectedly tender performance as Linus—a man hardened by commerce who gradually rediscovers wonder. Kinnear is delightful as the feckless David, injecting the role with levity and charm.
The film is beautifully shot, from the dreamy elegance of Paris to the stately Long Island estate, all rendered with a painterly eye. John Williams’ wistful score lends the film an air of gentle nostalgia, enriching the emotional resonance without overpowering it.
While this Sabrina lacks the sharp comedic flair of Billy Wilder’s original, it substitutes wit with quiet emotional depth. Pollack emphasizes themes of personal growth, self-worth, and the redemptive power of love, crafting a story less about choosing between two men, and more about finding one’s own place in the world.
Ultimately, Sabrina (1995) is a mature, understated romance—less a retread than a reawakening. It reminds us that transformation is not just about changing how the world sees you, but how you see yourself. A film for romantics, dreamers, and anyone who believes in second chances.