Early reactions to “Ebenezer” have been largely favorable following its premiere, with members of the film press highlighting Johnny Depp’s performance as Scrooge and director Ti West’s gothic visual approach. The adaptation of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” is scheduled to reach theaters through Paramount on Nov. 13.
The film marks Depp’s first Hollywood studio movie since his highly publicized 2022 trial against former wife Amber Heard, making its reception a significant part of his attempted Hollywood comeback. Its ensemble also features Rupert Grint, Andrea Riseborough, Sam Claflin, Daisy Ridley, Arthur Conti, Ellie Bamber, Henry Lloyd-Hughes, Charlie Murphy, Tramell Tillman and Ian McKellen.
UK film critic Phil Roberts praised the adaptation’s combination of period storytelling, warmth and despair. Writing on X, he singled out Depp’s portrayal of Scrooge’s gradual redemption and said the ending carried greater emotional weight than those of earlier versions. FilmSpeak chief film critic Tom Chatalbash was similarly enthusiastic, describing the movie as a “wickedly fun holiday treat” and praising Depp’s balance of comic energy and emotional seriousness.
Chatalbash also credited West’s horror filmmaking sensibilities with creating an absorbing gothic atmosphere while preserving the heart of Dickens’ story. In his assessment, the director’s handling of unsettling moments and visual style brought additional depth to Scrooge’s journey.
Critics Choice members Clarence Moye and Tony Mosello also responded positively. Moye said West’s visual approach refreshed a relatively conventional adaptation and placed Depp alongside George C. Scott among the strongest modern screen Scrooges. Mosello praised Depp’s lively, eccentric performance, the supporting cast and the film’s haunting imagery.
Other critics were less persuaded. Ren Vieira praised the sets, production and sound design but argued that the adaptation lacked a distinctive identity and relied on familiar elements of Depp’s acting. UK-based critic and writer MaryAnn Johanson offered a particularly brief verdict on X, calling it “Utterly superfluous.”
Film critic Robert Ortiz likewise acknowledged the movie’s technical quality and Depp’s suitability for the role, but found the result boring and forgettable. He argued that audiences already familiar with “A Christmas Carol” would find little new to justify another version.
The comeback narrative surrounding the release follows the trial in which Depp and Heard accused each other of domestic abuse and defamation. Depp was awarded $10 million in compensatory damages and $5 million in punitive damages from Heard, while Heard received $2 million in compensatory damages.
