Ebenezer
Paramount Pictures
Director: Ti West
Writer: Nathaniel Halpern
Cast: Johnny Depp, Rupert Grint, Andrea Riseborough, Sam Claflin, Daisy Ridley, Arthur Conti, Ellie Bamber, Henry Lloyd-Hughes, Charlie Murphy, Tramell Tillman and Ian McKellen
Opened: November 13, 2026
Screened at: AMC Empire 25, New York, NY, November 9, 2026
Johnny Depp makes a triumphant return to the big screen with ‘Ebenezer,’ delivering a performance worth celebrating. The new imaginative retelling of Charles Dickens’ classic Christmas novella, ‘A Christmas Carol,’ gives the Oscar-nominated actor an opportunity to rediscover his extraordinary screen presence.
More importantly, Depp brought unexpected emotional depth to one of literature’s most recognizable characters. While the gothic fantasy movie embraces gothic horror, its greatest strength lies in its surprisingly compassionate portrayal of the titular character.
Veteran genre filmmaker Ti West (the ‘X’ trilogy, ‘The House of the Devil’) helmed and executive produced ‘Ebenezer.’ Nathaniel Halpern wrote the new dark comedy. In addition to Depp, the movie also stars Rupert Grint, Andrea Riseborough, Sam Claflin, Daisy Ridley, Arthur Conti, Ellie Bamber, Henry Lloyd-Hughes, Charlie Murphy, Tramell Tillman and Ian McKellen.
Set against the grim, atmospheric backdrop of Victorian London, ‘Ebenezer’ follows the titular Ebenezer Scrooge (Depp), a wealthy but bitter businessman whose obsession with money has left him devoid of compassion. On Christmas Eve, Scrooge dismisses an invitation from his kindly nephew Fred (Claflin) and continues to mistreat his underpaid clerk, Bob Cratchit (Grint). But when the ghost of his former business partner, Jacob Marley (Ian McKellen), appears, Scrooge is warned that three spirits will visit him, offering one final chance at redemption.
Soon after, Scrooge is guided through a terrifying supernatural journey. The businessman is forced to confront the childhood traumas that shaped him, witness the harsh realities of Victorian poverty and the struggles of the Cratchit family, and glimpse a bleak future awaiting him. As the Ghosts of Christmas Past (Riseborough), Present (Tillman) and Yet to Come (Strange) reveal the consequences of his greed and cruelty, Scrooge must find a way to reclaim his humanity before it is too late.
‘Ebenzer’ is a perfect fit for Depp, as the actor found his own distinctive approach to the miserable Victorian loan officer. His interpretation is theatrical, eccentric and occasionally outrageous, yet remarkably personal. Rather than simply repeating familiar performances, the actor emphasizes new dimensions within Scrooge. The result is a fascinating character study beneath the film’s supernatural spectacle.
Depp’s physical transformation is certainly impossible to overlook. Armed with elaborate prosthetic makeup and facial hair, he delivers an exaggerated performance. He also brought something distinctly different to the eponymous character. The performer’s natural charisma and unmistakable star power eventually shine through the elaborate disguise.
What makes ‘Ebenezer’ particularly interesting is its willingness to explore Scrooge’s humanity earlier. Previous adaptations often reserve genuine sympathy for the character’s eventual redemption. This version takes a different approach, revealing emotional vulnerability beneath his unkind exterior. As Scrooge’s troubled past emerges, his bitterness becomes considerably easier to understand. His cruelty remains frustrating, but his loneliness becomes increasingly heartbreaking.
The film gradually reveals the personal tragedies responsible for Ebenezer’s emotional isolation. His memories of his deceased partner provide some particularly moving moments. His anguish over losing his romantic partner from his youth, Belle (Bamber), also adds considerable emotional weight. These experiences help explain the bitterness that has defined his existence. Depp communicates these feelings through surprisingly tender expressions and carefully delivered moments of vulnerability.
Another emotional highlight involves Tiny Tim, portrayed by Freddie Lee-Grey. Scrooge’s growing awareness of the boy’s suffering introduces another layer of compassion. His interactions with Bob, further strengthen the story’s emotional foundation. Rather than treating these characters as simple Christmas symbols, ‘Ebenezer’ gives their struggles genuine significance. These quieter moments ultimately become some of the dark comedy’s most memorable sequences.
Of course, ‘Ebenezer’ is not interested exclusively in emotional storytelling. The production embraces a considerably darker interpretation of Dickens’ familiar tale. Numerous rampaging ghosts, sometimes resembling relentless zombies, create genuinely unsettling encounters. Their appearances deliver plenty of supernatural spectacle and gothic atmosphere.
The movie’s strongest scenes emerge when the supernatural chaos gives way to genuine human emotion. These quieter passages provide Depp with opportunities to demonstrate his considerable dramatic abilities. Overall, the contrast between horror and heartfelt storytelling gives ‘Ebenezer’ much of its distinctive personality.
The film’s technical achievements deserve considerable recognition as well. Composer Tyler Bates supplies music that complements the production’s unsettling atmosphere. His compositions help establish the emotional tension surrounding Scrooge’s supernatural journey. Cinematographer Checco Varese creates striking images through dark lighting and atmospheric compositions. Together, these elements establish a suitably haunting Victorian world.
Production designer Eve Stewart also deserves praise for the film’s impressive period presentation. The detailed environments capture the atmosphere of Victorian England beautifully. Meanwhile, the costume design reinforces the characters’ personalities and historical surroundings. Every visual element contributes to the movie’s gloomy, supernatural identity. The overall presentation makes ‘Ebenezer’ an immersive cinematic experience.
Ultimately, ‘Ebenezer’ succeeds because it offers something beyond another familiar Christmas redemption story. Its gothic presentation provides plenty of frightening entertainment. The film’s equally intense emotional foundation gives the narrative considerably greater depth. Depp’s interpretation makes Scrooge more complicated, sympathetic, and ultimately more human. These strong moments infuse the story with genuine affection.
For Depp, Ebenzer represents a welcome and potentially significant comeback. The performance reminds audiences why his unusual screen presence became so compelling earlier in his career. Although the elaborate makeup sometimes threatens to overshadow his expressions, his charisma remains unmistakable. He brings eccentricity, vulnerability, humor and unexpected tenderness to Ebenezer Scrooge.
‘Ebenezer’ may not reinvent Dickens’ beloved story, but it certainly gives it a distinctive new identity. Its combination of gothic horror, emotional storytelling and impressive performances makes it worthwhile viewing. Most importantly, Depp delivers a memorable interpretation that balances theatrical excess with genuine humanity. His return feels particularly rewarding when the film embraces its emotional heart. Depp’s return to the spotlight makes, the movie an especially exciting prospect.
Technical: A-
Acting: A-
Story: B+
Overall: B+
