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

Charles Dickens’ ‘A Christmas Carol’ has been adapted for the screen many times, and Paramount is betting there’s room for one more. ‘Ebenezer’, directed by horror filmmaker Ti West, puts Johnny Depp in the role of Ebenezer Scrooge, with a darker, ghost-story approach to the familiar tale. Nathaniel Halpern wrote the screenplay, and the film marks West’s first major studio movie after his ‘X’, ‘Pearl’ and ‘MaXXXine’ trilogy.

The project also matters for Depp. The film is widely seen as his first major Hollywood role since his long and highly publicized legal battle with Amber Heard. He’s joined by a strong supporting cast that includes Andrea Riseborough, Ian McKellen, Tramell Tillman, Rupert Grint, Daisy Ridley, Sam Claflin, Charlie Murphy, Arthur Conti and Ellie Bamber.

Now the first reactions are in. Paramount held press screenings in New York and a London premiere at Leicester Square on November 9, and attendees were allowed to share brief impressions on X before full reviews. Reactions are arriving just days before the film’s theatrical release.

Most of the early response has been positive. Variety described the film’s press reaction as largely favorable, with critics calling it a wickedly fun holiday treat and a strong comeback vehicle for its star. UK film critic Phil Roberts praised the film’s bold take on Dickens, calling Depp magnetic and saying the finale carries more emotional weight than earlier versions.

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

Others were just as enthusiastic. Some viewers said it was their favorite Depp performance in years, and at least one admitted to getting teary at the end. Several compared Depp’s Scrooge to past performances by Alastair Sim, Michael Caine and George C. Scott.

I loved Ti West’s Ebenezer. We all know this story, but what I loved the most about West’s take is that he treats it like a true ghost story. So many great actors have played Scrooge over the years, from Patrick Stewart to Michael Caine, and Johnny Depp proves once again why he’s one of the greatest actors of all time. Depp brings his own style to the beloved character and makes his Scrooge feel like his own. It’s another iconic performance from the gifted actor, and one that I think audiences will love for years to come. In terms of the crafts, they are spectacular across the board. The cinematography, costumes, production design, visual effects and hair & makeup help build and shape this world that West and Depp live in. #Ebenezer

— Scott Menzel (@ScottDMenzel) November 10, 2026

West’s direction is also getting attention. Early viewers praised the spooky gothic touches, haunting visuals, and strong set and sound design. JoBlo noted that the film offers a darker take on the Christmas fable, with Depp’s Scrooge sometimes scaring the audience.

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

That fits what Paramount has promised from the start. The film is pitched as a thrilling ghost story set in Dickens’ London, following 1 man’s supernatural journey through his past, present and future in search of a second chance.

#Ebenezer  is a dark, magical, and deeply moving retelling that hits every emotion. Johnny Depp is outstanding as Ebenezer Scrooge ! Deliciously unpleasant, heartbreaking, and completely captivating. No matter how many times you’ve seen this story, Ti West adds surprising new layers you won’t fully remember. You’ll laugh, smile, cry, and jump out of your seat. West also edited the film flawlessly, keeping the pacing razor-sharp from start to finish. A must-see holiday ghost story. Bah humbug? Not this time. 🎄👻 #EbenezerMovie  @ebenezermovie

— Andre Saint-Albin (@AndreSaintAlbin) November 10, 2026

The reactions aren’t all glowing. Some critics found the film redundant, arguing that it adds little new to a story that’s been told many times. One reaction suggested that the movie feels more like a vehicle to bring Depp back into the mainstream than a fresh piece of filmmaking.

#Ebenezer is a pretty standard adaptation with the heart of Dickens’ classic still intact. The movie’s Gothic horror style leans into creepy aspects of this ghost story. The supporting cast is solid and Depp, who doesn’t go too over-the-top, delivers a great performance. https://t.co/yXol9OvRCY

— Ashley Carter (@AshleyLCarter1) November 10, 2026

A few were far harsher. Critic Lewis Powell praised the production design and score, but called the film chaotic and badly misjudged overall. Nick Spake, meanwhile, liked several elements of the film but felt Depp’s performance was the part that didn’t work.

Think you know his story? Think again. Johnny Depp is Ebenezer Scrooge. The spirits arrive in the official new trailer for EBENEZER – only in theatres November 13. https://t.co/cb6p9JBq9C

— Ebenezer (@ebenezermovie) October 1, 2026

These reactions are only individual takes, not a critical consensus. The full review embargo is reportedly set to lift on Thursday, November 12. That’s just a day before the film opens in theaters.

‘Ebenezer’ hits theaters on November 13, at the start of the holiday movie season. It also arrives ahead of Robert Eggers’ own ‘A Christmas Carol’ adaptation at Warner Bros., which stars Willem Dafoe as Scrooge. For now, the early buzz suggests Depp’s return could be a successful one. Whether audiences agree will become clear once the film opens this weekend.

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