The opening credits for Ebenezer: A Christmas Carol give the feel of a traditional Christmas movie with just a hint of horror, and the combination is perfect.
Based on the novel, the film gives us a chance to relive the timeless classic by Charles Dickens. Starring Johnny Depp as Ebenezer Scrooge, Ian McKellen as Jacob Marley, and Rupert Grint as Bob Cratchit, the production is a well-cast adaptation of the novel.
The film calls on the spirit of Dickens’ work by breaking the story into “staves,” a musical term. This is almost a tribute to the name: A Christmas Carol. Depp’s performance as Scrooge is spot on. Here, he leverages comedy in his tone, honesty in his expressions, and a level of depth in his voice, all of which the character requires. McKellen delivers a Marley that speaks to the coldness of the character in life and in death, with an elitist manner. Meanwhile, Grint brings his signature lovable charm to the screen as Cratchit, with a degree of seriousness that grounds the character in his struggles.
Photo Courtesy: Paramount Pictures
But here is where it gets interesting. Nathaniel Halpern does something vital in this adaptation. Together with the direction of Ti West, we get the chance to dive deeper into why Ebenezer became the man he was. After all, humans come into this world pure, right? Well, most of us. So, what could happen to a man to make him so terrible? Terrible enough that supernatural forces are put into play to give him a chance at redemption? That is the question Ebenezer answers.
Photo Courtesy: Paramount Pictures
The timing of this movie is perfect for the holidays and for the current state of our world. We constantly lock into our devices: our phones, tablets, etc. Consequently, it impacts us physically; we even have a term for it: “text neck.” It’s time we look up and take in the world around us.
Now, we know this tale is fictional, but the message is not. The lessons of “charity, mercy, forbearance, and benevolence,” as Marley says in the novel, remain true in this adaptation. If there ever was a time for us to think about these, it is now.
Photo Courtesy: Paramount Pictures
In the film, Marley’s spirit must “witness what it cannot share, but might have shared on earth, and turned to happiness.” For this reason, he comes back to save his friend from this same fate. Maybe we need Ebenezer this season to remind us of the same. Paramount Pictures’ Ebenezer: A Christmas Carol is now playing in theaters for the holidays.
