Johnny Depp stars in “Ebenezer,” a dark fantasy take on Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol,” with co-stars including Sam Claflin and Andrea Riseborough. Several outlets position the film as a fresh, darker retelling that keeps more of Dickens’ world than some earlier adaptations, including a character that is “usually cut.” Other coverage frames it more as a reinterpretation of Scrooge and the holiday classic’s themes.

Industry and review coverage also focuses on the film’s early rollout and reception. Variety and The Hollywood Reporter cite $1.5 million in box office previews, and Hollywood Reporter notes it opens opposite titles including “How to Rob a Bank” and “Ghost Soldier.” Review outlets differ on how well the approach works, with some describing it as meant to be darker and others saying the tone or performance undermines the experience for families.

Across outlets, there is additional emphasis on Depp’s public profile: some pieces describe the movie as part of a comeback narrative, including discussion of how legal and personal controversies may affect audience perception.