In ‘Ebenezer’, Johnny Depp breathes new life into a Christmas classic

Charles Dickens’s 1843 novella “A Christmas Carol” has been retold many times, from stage productions to films such as 1988’s “Scrooged”, starring Bill Murray, and Disney’s 2009 animated adaptation featuring Jim Carrey.

Now, director Ti West gives the familiar Christmas tale a darker makeover in “Ebenezer”, a supernatural fantasy starring Johnny Depp as the infamous miser.

Released in cinemas on Nov 12, the Paramount Pictures production trades some of the story’s traditional festive charm for gothic imagery, psychological torment and genuinely unsettling ghosts.

Set in Victorian London, the story follows Ebenezer Scrooge, a wealthy moneylender whose love for money far outweighs any affection for family, charity or Christmas. Famous for his dismissive “Bah! Humbug!”, he has little patience for anyone who dares interrupt his miserly existence.

But on Christmas Eve, his former business partner Jacob Marley (Ian McKellen) appears as a chained, decaying ghost, warning him of the fate that awaits if he refuses to change. Scrooge is subsequently visited by three spirits, who force him to confront his past, present and a rather grim future.

As in Dickens’ original, Scrooge’s encounters eventually lead him towards redemption. So, is this adaptation worth a watch, or does it simply revisit familiar ground?

For starters, the film is divided into five “staves”, just like Dickens’s novella. It also takes a longer detour into Scrooge’s history, beginning in 1836 with his partnership with a living Marley before jumping seven years ahead to Christmas Eve. His lonely childhood, experiences of abuse and failed romance help explain how he came to value wealth above everything else.

The three spirits are also a far cry from the friendly guides one might expect from a Christmas film.

The Ghost of Christmas Past, played by Andrea Riseborough, has an uncanny appearance, complete with pale skin, white eyes and a veil. Rather than offering comforting nostalgia, she scarily forces Scrooge to revisit painful memories, including his lost romance with Belle (Ellie Bamber).

The Ghost of Christmas Present, portrayed by Tramell Tillman, is similarly intimidating, taking Scrooge through London’s poverty-stricken streets and showing him the struggles of his clerk Bob Cratchit (Rupert Grint), and their frail son Tiny Tim.

So, does “Ebenezer” deliver on its horror promise? Absolutely, although don’t expect anything quite as terrifying as “The Conjuring”.

West strikes a pleasing balance between festive whimsy and supernatural scares. The ghosts have a distinctly zombie-like appearance, while clever sound design does much of the heavy lifting. A carriage appearing in eerie silence or a crow suddenly taking flight when all is quiet can be enough to make you jump.

Yet the film’s most memorable moments are not necessarily its frightening ones.

One particularly endearing sequence involves Scrooge revisiting his relationship with Belle. Seeing the happiness he once experienced, and understanding how his obsession with profit cost him that happiness, makes his regret feel genuine. More importantly, it gives his eventual change of heart room to develop instead of appearing as a sudden Christmas miracle.

Despite being based on a children’s story, the film does not shy away from darker themes. Still, its emotional payoff is wonderfully heartwarming, particularly when Scrooge approaches those he has wronged, including his nephew Fred (Sam Claflin) and the Cratchit family, with newfound humility.

Ultimately, “Ebenezer” is not an essential addition to your Christmas movie watchlist. Its plot follows familiar beats, and anyone acquainted with the original story will know exactly where things are heading.

But Depp is reason enough to give it a watch.

Returning to a leading live-action film role, he brings his trademark eccentricity to Scrooge, delivering a performance that is energetic, funny and thoroughly committed.

Whether he is practically peeing himself at the sight of a ghost, spitting out “Humbug!” with exaggerated disdain, or sticking his tongue out at people wishing him a Merry Christmas, Depp makes even Scrooge’s grumpiest moments entertaining.

His reactions to the jump scares are equally amusing, particularly when he behaves like a startled old man one moment and bounces on his bed like an excited child the next, simply relieved to discover he is still alive.

“Ebenezer” leaves audiences with a simple but meaningful message: it is never too late to change, make amends and appreciate what truly matters. A rather fitting thought as another year comes to an end.

As of press time, ‘Ebenezer’ is screening in cinemas nationwide.

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