Love, Laughter, and Hepburn in Top Form

Read Time:4 Minute, 55 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Sabrina (4K)
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Genre: Comedy, Romance, Comedy Drama
Year Released: 1954
Runtime: 1h 53m
Director(s): Billy Wilder
Writer(s): Billy Wilder, Samuel A. Taylor, Ernest Lehman
Cast: Humphrey Bogart, Audrey Hepburn, William Holden, Walter Hampden, John Williams, Martha Hyer, Joan Vohs, Marcel Dalio, Marcel Hillaire, Nella Walker, Francis X. Bushman
Where to Watch: available June 17, 2025, pre-order your copy here: www.kinolorber.com or www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: SABRINA is one of those rare films that captures elegance, wit, and emotional sincerity without ever feeling forced. Directed by the ever-versatile Billy Wilder and anchored by three undeniable stars—Humphrey Bogart, Audrey Hepburn, and William Holden—SABRINA is more than just a romantic comedy; it’s a showcase of old-school charisma, visual polish, and a surprisingly layered emotional core. Kino Lorber’s new 4K UHD release underlines how enduring this story is, lovingly restoring a mid-century gem that still sparkles in the modern era.

Wilder’s direction elevates what could have easily been a fluffy tale of class-crossed lovers into something tender and slyly subversive. The setup is deceptively simple: Sabrina Fairchild (Audrey Hepburn), the daughter of a chauffeur, has grown up watching the lives of the wealthy Larrabee family from the shadows. Hopelessly infatuated with the younger, freewheeling son David (William Holden), she departs for Paris in search of purpose and refinement. What returns is not the same girl who left—she’s confident, poised, and suddenly noticed by David and his older, more serious brother Linus (Humphrey Bogart), who initially courts her for business reasons… until his motivations shift.

A tug-of-war between duty and desire follows. Rather than opting for cheap laughs or predictable hijinks, Wilder lets the drama breathe and gives each character their distinct voice. The script, co-written by Wilder along with Samuel A. Taylor and Ernest Lehman, is packed with biting lines and subtle emotion, reminding audiences why romantic comedies were once seen as some of the smartest writing in town.

Hepburn is, unsurprisingly, the soul of the film. Her Sabrina is wide-eyed without being naive, elegant without arrogance. Unsurprisingly, she earned an Oscar nomination for this performance; she commands every frame with a strength and expressive vulnerability that make you feel every shift in her journey. While some may raise an eyebrow at the age gap between Hepburn and Bogart, there’s something undeniably compelling about the chemistry between the two. Bogart, usually more at home with noir or gritty drama, gives Linus a slow-burn sensitivity. His late-film realization of affection for Sabrina is played with the kind of restraint that speaks volumes without needing grand gestures.

Then there’s William Holden, who brings David Larrabee to life with a playful, slightly reckless charm that hides just enough emptiness to make his disinterest in real commitment believable. His timing is razor-sharp, providing some much-needed levity amid the emotional tensions, and his scenes with Hepburn have a natural ease that reinforces their shared history, even if it’s ultimately unreciprocated love.

Where SABRINA thrives is in its subtext. Beneath the glamour and high-society setting lies a commentary on class and identity. Sabrina’s transformation isn’t just about becoming “worthy” of the Larrabees and discovering her agency. She’s not simply a passive prize for the brothers to fight over; she drives the story unexpectedly, quietly challenging the limitations of her upbringing and expectations.

Visually, the film is pure 1950s sophistication, with Edith Head’s Oscar-winning costumes playing a major role in Sabrina’s metamorphosis. The gowns are legendary but functional, reflecting Sabrina’s newfound sense of self and confidence. Kino Lorber’s 4K restoration does the film's black-and-white cinematography justice. The contrast is crisp, the textures luxurious, and every sequence glows with depth dulled in previous home video editions. This is how SABRINA was meant to be seen—lavish, luminous, and alive.

Including new commentaries, documentaries, and featurettes that deepen the viewing experience and contextualize the film’s place in cinema history. Learning about the behind-the-scenes friction only enhances appreciation for the seamless finished product. A craftsmanship on display—both in front of and behind the camera—feels increasingly rare.

SABRINA might not have the explosive drama of Wilder’s SUNSET BOULEVARD or the riotous comedy of SOME LIKE IT HOT, but it holds its own with an unmistakable charm. It’s polished, yes, but never hollow. This is essential viewing for fans of classic cinema or anyone just craving a love story that doesn't talk down to its audience.

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[photo courtesy of KINO LORBER]

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