Product Info

Studio

Paramount Pictures

Director

Ti West

Genre

Fantasy, Thriller

Rated

PG-13

Theatrical Release Date (NA)

Nov 13, 2026

Film Length

1hr 56min

Purchase From

Home » Ebenezer (Review)

Ebenezer is the latest adaptation of the famous novella A Christmas Carol starring Johnny Depp. The film introduces some interesting elements to distinguish itself from other adaptations with some darker tones.

The Story Element

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Director Ti West (X, Pearl) adapts the 1843 novella A Christmas Carol with Johnny Depp (Pirates of the Caribbean film series, Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street) as Ebenezer Scrooge, the main character of the film. Scrooge is one of the most notorious people when it comes to greed and is showcased for how much he despises Christmas and how he clings to his money. He gets a reality check when he is visited by a ghostly form of his old business partner and three ghosts representing the Past, Present, and Future of Christmas.

It’s a classic tale told in various ways through decades from different directors. Whether it’s characters from The Muppets, Disney characters, or Scrooge performed by a famous actor like Jim Carrey. All the adaptations have their own spin on the same story. Ebenezer does the same thing with retelling the classic novella but with more of a gothic atmosphere and giving Johnny Depp the lead role as Scrooge that portrays a fitting role due to his previous film experience.

The numerous adaptations over the decades have made the scene predictable and the audience weary but enjoyable for those who have not had enough fill or enjoy Johnny Depp. Yet not all adaptations take the same route. Some pay more attention to certain scenes than others. For example, Disney’s animated version focuses on Scrooge’s underpaid clerk and his family on Christmas Day with presents and more. In the film Ebenezer, Scrooge spends Christmas Day with his nephew and his wife and the following day with his low-income colleague, without the interaction with the clerk’s family. Some breakaway points and different elements can save a film from falling into the same trap, but while I applaud Ebenezer for adding darker pieces, emotional parts, and a more lively Scrooge, it still feels like it could do more.

The Human Element

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As for Johnny Depp playing Scrooge, it’s a mix bag of his performance. He does a good job making Scrooge lively with a dash of quirky humor, a pinch of charm, and a tad of emotional expression. However, there are some scenes where his facial expressions and reactions resemble familiar characters, such as Jack Sparrow from Pirates of the Caribbean, which makes Scrooge feel less original. One of his serious moments when Scrooge is watching his past, from running away from his alcoholic father to watching the love of his life leaving him, we see an emotional Scrooge that does pull some heartstrings thanks to Depp’s performance.

Regarding the supporting cast, their presentation does feel grounded. Portraying their lines and their emotional expressions along with it gives a passing grade. Fred, Scrooge’s nephew, and his wife’s expressions are comical in a way of surprise when they meet Scrooge on Christmas morning. As for Bob Cratchit, played by Rupert Grint (Harry Potter film series, Servant), as the underpaid clerk who works under Scrooge, he showcases his timid body language in front of Scrooge and his frustration outside work on how little money he is bringing in to help save one of his children, Tiny Tim, played by Freddie Lee-Grey (Lord of the Flies), from dying.

The Ghostly Element

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The audience will spend roughly around thirty minutes with each of the three ghosts that will visit Scrooge as they dive into his life and the cause and effects it has created. The film injects gothic visuals and jump scares that work at times while sticking close to the original storyline. It doesn’t turn into a horror film but is enough to make it a watchable for someone’s first jumpscare film. Its approach of adding these elements does give the film some separation from other adaptations.

The visual representation of the ghosts that visit Scrooge is one of the best features of the film. Scrooge’s old business partner, Jacob Marley, played by Ian McKellen (The Lord of the Rings film series, X-Men: Days of Future Past), pays Scrooge a visit, warning him that continuing his path of greed will not be a happy ending like it was for him. Marley’s visual presentation of its transparency and rustic texture as he carries heavy chains looks remarkably well. This visual style resembles something you would see in classic films if they were made using today’s technology.

As for the other ghosts, the Ghost of Christmas Past is a female character played by Andrea Riseborough (Oblivion, To Leslie) with pupilless eyes who wears a white dress that resembles a ghoul capable of haunting your dreams. The Ghost of Christmas Present is more human-like but carries some unusual traits that add some horror aspects. Played by Tramell Tillman (Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning, Spider-Man: Brand New Day), he does an impressive job with his character’s facial expression and his vocal tones. And as for the Ghost of Christmas Future, played by Robert Strange (Return to Silent Hill, The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power), to no surprise, it’s a visual representation of a grim reaper wearing a black cloak, and only its hands are visibly seen with very few words.

The Creative Element

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The film’s presentation is remarkably well done, particularly in terms of its cinematography. There were some creative scenes through the film to provide that dynamic depth and character representation. In Scrooge’s office, for example, there is a decorative frame with a circular hole where you can see the actor’s expression from across the room while they closely observe what is happening. The film tries to connect old style typography to represent stages that happen throughout the film like a live performance. Giving it that classic storytelling presentation. 

Regarding the film’s musical scores, it carries a few dark atmosphere tracks to deliver that mysterious and looming feel when the ghosts come to visit Scrooge. Then you have a few famous Christmas scores, such as Silent Night, played and sung by different actors. Creatively, the film transitions between each singer that is represented in Scrooge’s visions.

The Final Element

Ebenezer brings the classic A Christmas Carol to the screen with a dash of haunting ghost designs, a pinch of impressive cinematography, and Johnny Depp’s lively take on Ebenezer Scrooge. Its darker approach brings something different, but the too familiar storytelling keeps it from feeling fresh.

An early screening was provided by the publisher for this review. Ebenezer arrives in theaters on November 13, 2026. Fans can visit the film’s official website for more information.