First Reactions to Johnny Depp’s ‘Ebenezer’ Are In, and Critics Are Mostly Won Over

Johnny Depp’s ‘Ebenezer’ is one of the most talked-about releases of the holiday season. Directed by Ti West, the filmmaker behind ‘X’, ‘Pearl’ and ‘MaXXXine’, it reimagines Charles Dickens’ ‘A Christmas Carol’ as a darker, gothic ghost story, with Depp in the role of Ebenezer Scrooge.

The film is also a major moment for Depp. It’s his first major Hollywood studio film since 2018’s ‘Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald’, and it brings together a big ensemble that includes Rupert Grint as Bob Cratchit, Ian McKellen as Jacob Marley, Andrea Riseborough, Tramell Tillman, Daisy Ridley and Sam Claflin.

Now the first reactions have arrived. Following press screenings and premieres at the Whitby Hotel in New York and in London’s Leicester Square, critics took to social media, and the response has been mostly positive.

Many early viewers singled out Depp’s performance. UK film critic Phil Roberts called the film a bold spin on Dickens’ story and a sincere period piece, describing Depp as magnetic and saying the finale carries more emotional weight than previous adaptations.

Did the world need another version of A Christmas Carol? Maybe not, but surprisingly, I must say #Ebenezer is a hauntingly gotchic adaptation, unfortunately relevant, and likely the most faithful (and creepiest) version of the Charles Dickens classic we’ll ever get. https://t.co/lHgp8mqrCk

— Chris Killian (@chriskillian) November 10, 2026

Critics Choice member Clarence Moye called the movie a pleasant surprise, while fellow member Tony Mosello praised it as a revitalized take on the classic redemption tale, built around a fun, quirky and energetic lead performance. Some reactions even put Depp’s Scrooge alongside celebrated versions from Alastair Sim and Michael Caine.

Johnny Depp is at the top of his game as #Ebenezer. A spookier, more horror-centric take, Ti West approaches Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol with the gothic flourishes of a classic Hammer film. A fresh retelling of the classic story worth seeing. https://t.co/pkWsICTkSt

— Epic Film Guys ® (@EpicFilmGuys) November 10, 2026

JoBlo’s JimmyO admitted he wasn’t excited about yet another ‘A Christmas Carol’ adaptation, but said West’s darker approach won him over. He described Depp’s performance as layered, noting that you can see Scrooge grow with each spirit’s visit, and called it his favorite Depp performance in years.

Our man JimmyO saw #Ebenezer. His thoughts: I was not terribly excited about the prospect of another Christmas Carol. Thankfully, Ti West’s Ebenezer presents a darker look at this Christmas fable. Yet it brings more sincerity than many of the earlier efforts. Johnny Depp gives a layered performance as Scrooge. And while it is cartoonish at times, it is far more layered than the trailer would suggest. You actually see his growth with each spirit visiting him. It’s my favorite Depp performance in a few years.

— JoBlo.com (@joblocom) November 9, 2026

The reactions weren’t all glowing. Some critics felt the film looked great but didn’t do enough to stand out from earlier versions of the story. One reviewer praised the set, production, and sound design, but felt Depp was mostly falling back on familiar quirky tricks.

DawsOnScreen argued that the film works well as a showcase for West, but seems more focused on bringing Depp back to the mainstream than on telling the story in a new way. The harshest reaction came from critic Lewis Powell, who called the film chaotic and ill-judged. Even so, he complimented its production design and score.

EBENEZER is a much more gothic take on A Christmas Carol than you are expecting and it’s a great case study as to why Ti West should handle bigger blockbuster stories. It Oozes style and performances are solid throughout. That being said it’s incredibly well worn territory and it doesn’t exactly have anything new to say. It does feel like this serves more as a way to get Johnny Depp back into the mainstream than it does to create a unique film experince. The irony of the story used is certainly not lost on me. That being said, it’s an enjoyably dark Christmas film that I’m sure family’s will have fun with! 🎄#Ebenezer #EbenezerMovie

— DawsOnScreen (@DawsBear) November 9, 2026

West directs from a screenplay by Nathaniel Halpern, and he leans into the ghost story at the heart of Dickens’ novella. The film follows Scrooge as he faces his past, present, and future on a supernatural journey, with the spirits playing more like genuine horror than gentle moral lessons.

Well, color me pleasantly surprised! #Ebenezer is a wickedly fun holiday treat and strong comeback vehicle for its star. Depp is a fiendish delight as Scrooge, delivering a lively performance that thankfully balances the goofy charm and emotional gravitas that has been sorely missed. West’s horror sensibilities and visual panache give the film an immersive gothic look and feel as he’s able to balance the macabre thrills with the heart of Dickens’ beloved tale as he sprinkles in some refreshing new layers to deepen Ebenezer’s journey. Simply put, it’s great to see Depp back on the big screen. Full review soon!

— Tom Chatalbash (@TomChatalbash) November 10, 2026

Depp’s transformation into the miser has drawn attention since the first set photos appeared earlier this year, showing him in full Victorian costume and prosthetics. He also surprised fans by turning up in character at San Diego Comic-Con to help launch the first trailer.

Ti West’s #Ebenezer puts a bold spin on Dickens’ classic, delivering a sincere period piece infused with heart and despair. Johnny Depp is magnetic throughout Scrooge’s soft redemption arc leading to a finale that delivers more emotional resonance than its predecessors. Humbug! https://t.co/lErClm8L2T

— Phil Roberts (@philthecool) November 9, 2026

Paramount allowed attendees to share only brief reactions online for now, with full reviews still to come. MovieWeb noted that the timing of the review embargo suggests the studio may be cautious about how critics will respond.

All-new trailer for Ti West’s #Ebenezer, starring Johnny Depp, Ian McKellen, Rupert Grint, and Sam Claflin. In theaters November 13. https://t.co/5GWGTTBKBo

— Rotten Tomatoes 🍅 (@RottenTomatoes) October 1, 2026

Still, the early buzz gives the film some momentum heading into its release. ‘Ebenezer’ opens in theaters worldwide on November 13, kicking off the Christmas movie season with a very different kind of Scrooge.

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