Ebenezer (2026) Review

There are certain stories that never grow old, no matter how many times Hollywood decides to remake them. Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol is undoubtedly one of them. I’ve seen practically every version of Ebenezer Scrooge brought to the screen, from the traditional adaptations to the animated interpretations and everything in between. Some have been entertaining, others forgettable, and a select few have captured the true spirit of Dickens’ timeless story.

Then along comes Johnny Depp in Ebenezer, reminding us why this tale has endured for generations. Directed by Ti West, this latest adaptation embraces the darker supernatural elements of Scrooge’s journey while preserving the emotional foundation that makes the story meaningful. And I have to say, Depp makes one heck of an Ebenezer Scrooge. In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if this became an instant Christmas classic.

Johnny Depp Was Made to Play Ebenezer Scrooge

Let’s face it, Johnny Depp has built much of his career playing eccentric, unusual, and occasionally downright bizarre characters. From Captain Jack Sparrow to Edward Scissorhands, he’s demonstrated an impressive ability to transform himself into personalities that are larger than life. And Ebenezer Scrooge fits right into that wheelhouse.

Scrooge isn’t simply an angry old man who hates Christmas. He’s bitter, emotionally disconnected, suspicious of everyone around him, and convinced that accumulating wealth is more important than developing meaningful relationships. That’s quite a personality to bring to life without making the character feel like a cartoon villain.

What I appreciate about Depp’s portrayal is how naturally he seems to fit the character. He captures that unpleasant, stubborn personality we’ve come to associate with Scrooge, while still making him someone whose transformation we want to see. After all, the entire story depends on audiences believing that beneath this miserable old man’s hardened exterior is someone still capable of compassion.

Depp has a knack for making unusual characters interesting, and Scrooge gives him the opportunity to explore both the darkness and humanity of a complicated individual. It’s a role that makes you wonder why nobody thought to cast him sooner.

A Christmas Carol That Remembers What Made the Original Special

One thing that has always frustrated me about certain adaptations of A Christmas Carol is how much they try to reinvent a story that doesn’t necessarily need reinventing. Don’t get me wrong. I’m all for creativity. But sometimes filmmakers become so focused on making something different that they forget what made the original story special. For me, Ebenezer stands out because it feels remarkably close to the spirit of Dickens’ original work. The supernatural encounters, the examination of Scrooge’s past, and the consequences of his choices are central to what makes this story powerful. The ghosts aren’t simply there to frighten an old man into celebrating Christmas. They’re forcing him to confront the person he’s become and the life he’s wasted. And that’s a much more meaningful journey than simply transforming a Christmas-hating businessman into someone willing to buy a turkey.

West’s darker approach feels appropriate for a story that was always, at its heart, a ghost story. There’s something particularly effective about mixing the unsettling nature of supernatural encounters with the warmth of redemption. I’ve seen so many versions of Scrooge over the years that I wasn’t expecting another adaptation to make such a strong impression. Yet this one captures what I consider essential to the story: Christmas isn’t what changes Scrooge. It’s being forced to recognize the value of people over possessions. And that message never gets old.

Scrooge Has Always Reminded Me of My Grandfather

This is where the movie becomes a little more personal for me. For as long as I can remember, Ebenezer Scrooge has reminded me of my grandfather. He was a stickler of a man. The type who counted every dime, watched every expense, and took money seriously. Very seriously. Let’s just say he wasn’t someone you would confuse with Santa Claus.

Growing up, I saw that strict, no-nonsense side of him, and whenever I watched A Christmas Carol, I couldn’t help noticing the similarities. But here’s where the comparison becomes something much more meaningful. Just like Scrooge, my grandfather eventually softened.

The man who had once seemed so rigid became more lighthearted, allowing a different side of his personality to emerge. My wife was fortunate enough to meet that version of him, and she absolutely loved him. And looking back, that’s something I genuinely treasure. Because when I watch Scrooge discover that there’s more to life than money, I don’t just see a fictional character learning a lesson. I think about my grandfather.

I think about how people can change, sometimes later in life than we’d expect. How the personalities we grow up knowing aren’t necessarily the same ones that remain forever. And how fortunate we are when we get to witness that transformation. That’s why A Christmas Carol has always meant something more to me than a simple holiday movie. It’s a reminder that even the most stubborn people can find a softer side of themselves. And sometimes the greatest gift they leave behind isn’t money or possessions, but the memories of who they eventually became.

Rest in peace, Abuelo.

A Darker Christmas Story With a Timeless Message

What makes Ebenezer particularly appealing is its willingness to embrace the supernatural atmosphere of Dickens’ story without losing sight of its central message. The film features a strong supporting cast, including Rupert Grint as Bob Cratchit, Andrea Riseborough as the Ghost of Christmas Past, Sam Claflin as Fred, and Tramell Tillman as the Ghost of Christmas Present. Ian McKellen and Daisy Ridley also appear in the film. But ultimately, this is Scrooge’s story.

The ghosts, the people he’s neglected, and the memories he’s tried to leave behind all serve the same purpose: showing a lonely man that he’s been measuring the value of his life using entirely the wrong currency. And that’s what makes this story so universally relatable. We might not all be wealthy, miserable businessmen wandering around Victorian London, but we certainly understand regret, missed opportunities, and the importance of second chances. That’s the real magic of A Christmas Carol.

It’s not about suddenly becoming wealthy or receiving wonderful presents. It’s about realizing that generosity, compassion, and the people we love are worth far more than anything we can accumulate.