“More isn’t always better, Linus. Sometimes it’s just more.” —Sabrina
Today’s quick review: Sabrina. Sabrina Fairchild (Julia Ormond) has always been in love with David Larrabee (Greg Kinnear), the handsome younger son of the wealthy family her father works for. But David only returns her affections when she leaves for Paris and comes back as a brand new woman. To save David’s engagement and the business deal that will come with it, his older brother Linus (Harrison Ford) steps in to sabotage their relationship.
Sabrina is a romantic drama about a chauffeur’s daughter who finds herself during her time living in Paris. Sabrina Fairchild matures from a lovestruck girl to an elegant young woman, in the process winning the affections of David Larrabee and the grudging respect of Linus. Sabrina goes far on the strength of its nuanced character work and charismatic cast. However, its dry romance and slow pacing will not appeal to everyone.
Sabrina’s characters occupy a niche of their own. Sabrina and Linus are mature in complementary ways. Sabrina is gentle and patient, with an honest appreciation for life. Linus is cold and businesslike but not wholly heartless. Their relationship is more subdued and indirect than those found in other romances, bypassing over sentimentality in favor of deeper questions about meaning and happiness.
This style of romance is a double-edged sword. Many fans of the genre will find the lack of grand gestures or overt comedy disappointing, leaving the movie a little too detached for its own good. But for viewers who are willing to get to know the characters, Sabrina is an unusually mature romance that’s full of subtle character development, sweet gestures, and nuanced thoughts about life.
For a richer and more enduring take on the same story, try the original Sabrina with Audrey Hepburn and Humphrey Bogart. For a similarly level-headed romance, try Roman Holiday. For a classic romantic comedy about high society, try The Philadelphia Story. For a classic comedy about the follies of the rich, try My Man Godfrey.
[6.3 out of 10 on IMDB](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0114319/). I give it a 7.0 for well-developed characters and a thoughtful script.