Where to Watch Merchant Ivory (2023) in the US

What it's about

In hearing the phrase "Merchant Ivory", most would arguably first think of lush period drama films of the late 1980s and 1990s adapted from literary sources. For those in the know, many of those insiders who are interviewed for this documentary, it was an independent film company from the early 1960s to the mid 2000s centered on four creatives, most specifically the first two, and each's primary role: producer Ismail Merchant, director James Ivory, screenwriter Ruth Prawer Jhabvala, and the latest to join the group, composer Richard Robbins. Its filmography largely in chronological order, and which does not solely consist of these period dramas, but which were arguably its most successful, are presented. Their business and personal relationships are discussed, both which are intertwined in that Merchant and Ivory were in a personal relationship for that entire period, Merchant, Ivory and Jhabvala lived together for much of that time, and Merchant and Robbins also embarked on a personal relationship together in Merchant and Ivory's relationship being filled with somewhat open "extramarital" (i.e. they never having married) liaisons. Specifically with Merchant and Ivory, the yin and the yang between the two is also presented, Merchant described as the "con man" who did anything both to secure funding and reduce costs (their films made on a shoestring, especially considering the expense associated with costume pieces), and Ivory the soft spoken perfectionist. Their method of working also led to the familial atmosphere of their productions, albeit most of the time a dysfunctional family, but one where there was an overall mentality by all involved of making an end product of which they all would be proud. With Ivory the sole surviving member of the foursome at the production of this film, an epilogue of sorts is provided in showing Ivory's professional life, especially since Merchant's unexpected passing in 2005.

Cast and crew

Director

Stephen Soucy

Writer

Jon Hart, Stephen Soucy

Starring

James Ivory, Helena Bonham Carter, Emma Thompson

Details

Release date

Nov 11, 2023

Language

English

Country

United States

Awards

2 nominations total

Where to Watch Merchant Ivory (2023) in the US — common questions

Where to watch Merchant Ivory in the United States?

Merchant Ivory is available with a subscription, free with a participating library card, or to rent in the United States. Watch the movie with a subscription on Cohen Media (HD). Watch the movie free with a participating library card on Fawesome (HD) and Kanopy (HD). Rent the movie on Apple TV Store, Fandango at Home, and Prime Video.

Can I stream Merchant Ivory or do I have to rent it in the United States?

Watch the movie with a subscription on Cohen Media (HD). Rent the movie on Apple TV Store, Fandango at Home, and Prime Video.

Can I watch Merchant Ivory for free in the United States?

Watch the movie free with a participating library card on Fawesome (HD) and Kanopy (HD).