For over four decades, James Ivory and Ismail Merchant collaborated to produce some of the most acclaimed period films of all time. Working under their banner, Merchant Ivory Productions, the American director and Indian producer created lavish literary adaptations and costume dramas that brought 19th-century worlds to life. Their films like A Room with a View and Howards End not only enthralled audiences but earned widespread critical acclaim.

In 2019, filmmaker Stephen Soucy paid tribute to Ivory and Merchant’s remarkable partnership with the documentary Merchant Ivory. Through interviews and behind-the-scenes glimpses, Soucy celebrated these cinema greats and their incredible bodies of work. However, the documentary also left some wanting more analysis of exactly what made Merchant Ivory’s films so special. This review will examine what the documentary did well in honoring Ivory and Merchant’s legacies, as well as areas that could have provided deeper insight into their enduring artistry.