Ebenezer Review: Depp's Scrooge Origin Story, Gloom vs. Cheer

This Ebenezer review starts with a simple question: do we need another Christmas Carol? Ti West, best known for horror, directs this fantasy comedy from a script by Nathaniel Halpern, and Johnny Depp takes the title role. The result is a familiar story with a darker, stranger flavour.

Ebenezer Review: The Story So Far (No Spoilers)

The Ebenezer plot follows the classic outline. An elderly miser, Ebenezer Scrooge, is visited by the ghost of his old business partner, Jacob Marley. Marley warns him that three more spirits are coming, representing Christmas Past, Present, and Yet to Come.

The tagline, "Before he was Scrooge, he was...", hints at a film more interested in how this man became so cold. Those visits push him to confront his past and ask whether he can still win a second chance at happiness. I will say no more about where that journey leads.

If you want more of the genre, browse our Fantasy movie reviews for similar picks.

What Works in Ebenezer

The biggest draw is the idea of a horror director handling a ghost story that has been told countless times. A tale built around spectral visitors suits West's instincts, and the supernatural setup gives him room to play with mood and atmosphere. The material has natural tension, and it is easy to see why the pairing makes sense.

The film also runs a tidy 115 minutes. That is long enough to give each haunting its own space without the story sagging. The PG-13 rating keeps it open to a wider audience than West's usual work.

The humour is another plus. As a comedy as well as a fantasy, the film lets the story breathe between the spookier moments, so it never feels like a grim slog.

Ebenezer Cast and Performances

The Ebenezer cast is the film's main selling point. Johnny Depp plays Ebenezer Scrooge, and his eccentric screen presence fits a man who is both comic and haunted. Rupert Grint plays Bob Cratchit, and Sam Claflin plays Fred.

The spirits are well chosen. Ian McKellen is Jacob Marley, Andrea Riseborough plays the Ghost of Christmas Past, and Tramell Tillman plays the Ghost of Christmas Present. That is a strong line-up for roles that could easily have been throwaway cameos.

Audience response has been warm. TMDB viewers give the film 7.8 out of 10, though that comes from a small number of votes. Depp's casting has also drawn criticism from some viewers, which is worth knowing before you buy a ticket.

Where Ebenezer Stumbles

The main risk is familiarity. Almost everyone knows how this story is shaped, so the film has to work hard to feel fresh. A new angle on Scrooge's early life helps, but the structure of three ghosts and one lesson stays comfortably predictable.

Tone may be the other sticking point. A horror filmmaker, a comic lead, and a heartfelt redemption arc do not always blend smoothly. Viewers who want a pure family Christmas film may find the spookier flavour too sharp, while horror fans may want more bite.

And as with any star-led project, your opinion of the lead will shape your enjoyment. Some will welcome Depp's return, while others will not.

Is Ebenezer Worth Watching?

Yes, Ebenezer is worth watching if you enjoy seasonal ghost stories and want a darker spin on a classic. The cast is strong, the runtime is tight, and Ti West's involvement gives the familiar tale a distinctive edge.

It will not reinvent Dickens, and the story beats are well known. Still, a confident cast and a clear sense of atmosphere make it a satisfying holiday-season watch. The film arrives in the United States on 13 November 2026.

Who Will Enjoy Ebenezer

• Fans of A Christmas Carol who want a moodier retelling.

• Viewers who like Ti West's atmosphere but prefer a PG-13 level of fright.

• Admirers of Johnny Depp, Ian McKellen, and Rupert Grint looking for a festive cast. For lighter alternatives, try our Comedy movie reviews.

For background on the cast and crew, see the Ebenezer page on IMDb.