Sydney Pollack’s Sabrina (released in theaters on Dec. 15, 1995), a remake of Billy Wilder’s 1954 classic, updates the story with a lush, modern elegance. Sabrina Fairchild (Julia Ormond) is the shy, awkward daughter of the Larrabee family’s chauffeur (John Wood).
Having spent her life watching the ultra-wealthy Larrabees from afar, she is hopelessly in love with the younger son, David (Greg Kinnear), a charming, reckless playboy who barely notices her existence.
To find herself, Sabrina moves to Paris for a two-year internship at Vogue. She returns transformed—sophisticated, confident, and stunningly beautiful.
This time, David is instantly smitten, despite being recently engaged to Elizabeth Tyson (Lauren Holly), a match that would facilitate a billion-dollar corporate merger for the Larrabee empire.
Enter Linus Larrabee (Harrison Ford), the eldest brother and the family’s stoic, workaholic business mastermind.
Fearing David’s infatuation will ruin the merger, Linus ruthlessly decides to “sacrifice” himself by wooing Sabrina away from David, planning to ditch her once the deal is signed.
As Linus whisks Sabrina away on private jets and to the family’s Martha’s Vineyard estate, his cold exterior begins to melt.
The “world’s only living heart transplant” finds himself genuinely falling for her spirit.
The supporting cast shines, including Nancy Marchand as the formidable matriarch, Dana Ivey as Linus’s loyal secretary, and Angie Dickinson and Richard Crenna as the Tysons.
Fanny Ardant appears as Sabrina’s mentor in Paris.
Paul Giamatti and Margo Martindale make brief appearances.
Ultimately, the brothers must confront their true feelings, and Sabrina must decide which Larrabee truly holds her heart.
Following in the footsteps of Audrey Hepburn and Humphrey Bogart was a daunting task, but Pollack’s version carved out its own dignified legacy. While the original is a beloved relic of the 1950s, the 1995 version is praised for its more grounded emotional stakes and its lush, cinematic beauty.
Julia Ormond and Greg Kinnear in Sabrina (Photo/Paramount Pictures)
Reception for Sabrina
Sabrina grossed $5.6 million on its opening weekend, ranking in fifth place at the box office behind Jumanji, Toy Story, Heat and Father of the Bride Part II.
The film would gross $87.1 million worldwide.
Roger Ebert gave Sabrina three and a half out of four stars in his review.
Legacy
The film’s legacy is largely defined by Ford’s performance and as he successfully pivots from action hero to romantic lead, Ford brought a subtle, dry wit and a moving vulnerability to the role of Linus.
Kinnear made a sparkling film debut, perfectly capturing the “golden boy” energy of David.
Ormond’s Sabrina was a more contemporary, intellectual heroine, making her transformation feel like an internal awakening rather than just a haircut.
Though it didn’t reach the iconic heights of the 1954 version, it is remembered as one of the last great “grown-up” romantic comedies—a film that values wit, scenery, and character development over slapstick.
Its legacy persists as a comforting, beautifully crafted exploration of second chances and the idea that, sometimes, the person you were meant to be with was standing right in front of you all along.
