Ti West's latest cinematic endeavor, 'Ebenezer,' presents a visually arresting yet largely uninspired retelling of Charles Dickens' timeless 'A Christmas Carol.' The film, starring Johnny Depp as the titular character, immerses viewers in a darkly atmospheric Victorian London, enhanced by a distinctive retro Hammer horror aesthetic. However, despite its stylistic flair and Depp's committed portrayal of the miserly Scrooge, the narrative largely adheres to the well-trodden path of its numerous predecessors. While the production boasts exceptional set design and cinematography, it struggles to carve out a unique identity, leaving audiences to question its ultimate purpose beyond another rendition of a beloved holiday classic.
Film Review: 'Ebenezer' Offers Familiar Ghosts and Johnny Depp's Scowl in a Redundant Adaptation
On November 9, 2026, a special screening at the Charlotte Street Hotel in London unveiled 'Ebenezer,' a new interpretation of 'A Christmas Carol' from director Ti West. This Paramount Pictures release, clocking in at 116 minutes and rated PG-13, brings a gothic-infused vision to the classic tale. Johnny Depp leads an ensemble cast as Ebenezer Scrooge, alongside Andrea Riseborough, Tramell Tillman, Rupert Grint, Sam Claflin, Daisy Ridley, Ian McKellen, Ellie Bamber, and Arthur Conti. West, known for his indie horror roots, infuses the film with a chilling atmosphere, particularly evident in the unsettling appearances of the spectral visitors. Andrea Riseborough's portrayal of the Ghost of Christmas Past stands out, delivering a genuinely eerie performance. Production designer Eve Stewart meticulously recreates a grimy, decaying Dickensian London, complemented by Checco Varese's dark, smoky cinematography. However, despite these commendable technical achievements, the screenplay by Nathaniel Halpern largely follows the original narrative without significant deviations or fresh insights, leading to a sense of déjà vu. The film's primary gamble rests on Johnny Depp's return to a major studio role, where he delivers a competent, albeit conventional, Scrooge. His performance, while solid, rarely delves into the profound emotional complexities seen in previous definitive portrayals. The narrative includes a slightly expanded backstory for Jacob Marley, portrayed by Ian McKellen, and minor alterations to Cratchit's professional trajectory, but these changes do little to alter the familiar arc. Ultimately, 'Ebenezer' provides an aesthetically rich but narratively safe journey through Scrooge's redemption, leaving a lasting impression more for its visuals than its storytelling innovation.
As a viewer, 'Ebenezer' left me contemplating the fine line between homage and redundancy. While the craftsmanship, particularly in production design and cinematography, is undeniably commendable, it felt like witnessing a beautifully rendered painting that one has seen countless times before. The film's strength lies in its ability to create a palpable, chilling atmosphere, transporting the audience to a grimy, haunting Victorian London. However, its reluctance to truly innovate with the narrative, despite hinting at a more revisionist take in its marketing, ultimately leaves it feeling like a missed opportunity. One might hope that future adaptations of such well-trodden tales would dare to explore uncharted emotional or thematic territories, rather than relying on stylistic flourishes alone to justify their existence. While it offers a visually engaging experience, 'Ebenezer' ultimately reinforces the challenge of bringing genuinely fresh perspectives to stories deeply ingrained in collective consciousness.
