Secret Mall Apartment

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2:14

Secret Mall Apartment

Released Mar 21

1h 31m

Documentary

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Popcornmeter

98%

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54 Reviews

91%

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50+ Ratings

In 2003, eight Rhode Islanders created a secret apartment inside the busy Providence Place Mall and kept it going for four years, filming everything along the way. Far more than just a wild prank, the secret mall apartment became an incredibly meaningful act for all the participants, at once an act of defiance against local gentrification, a boundary-pushing work of public/private art, and a 750 square foot space that sticks it to the man.

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Critics Consensus

Secret Mall Apartment unspools a wild story full of relatable wish fulfillment and social commentary, making for a highly entertaining treatise on artistic expression.

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Ann Hornaday

Washington Post

Thanks to its thoughtful protagonists and filmmaker Jeremy Workman, what starts out as a quirky human interest story becomes a profoundly humane portrait of creativity and community.

Rated: 3/4

May 9, 2025

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Michael Phillips

Chicago Tribune

It’s consistently, thoughtfully engaging. And, yes, often very funny in its open-hearted embrace of the DIY spirit, legal or otherwise.

Rated: 3.5/4

Apr 17, 2025

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Kimber Myers

Crooked Marquee

For all its big ideas, Secret Mall Apartment is full of charm and wonder. This is a breezy 91 minutes to spend with this idealistic group of people, and it’s easy to see why they kept coming back to the space they created, despite its dangers.

Rated: B+

Apr 11, 2025

Full Review

Chase Hutchinson

The Inlander (Spokane, WA)

Secret Mall Apartment both is and isn't about a secret mall apartment, though the film becomes much like the home the group made: a way of carving out a space for connection where there otherwise is none.

Rated: 3/4

May 15, 2025

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Rachel Wagner

rachelsreviews.net

If you can find Secret Mall Apartment I highly recommend it.

May 15, 2025

Full Review

Sean P. Means

The Movie Cricket

The second half of the documentary consists of an effort by the production to duplicate the apartment on a soundstage, a move that’s too cutesy for the movie’s own good.

Rated: 2.5/4

May 10, 2025

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Kathy L

Use of shifting timeline. Especially appreciated final updaftes

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

05/17/25

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barbara

What a great story not only of the apartment but the great art work that is done. Following @tapeart on instagram to see all they are doing.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

04/20/25

Full Review

Jeannette

Loved the history of how Providence looked back then and now. Love seeing old footage and its amazing the story content. Incredible story about all the artists.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

04/19/25

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erika

Fabulous, life affirming in the spirit of art from the heart.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

04/13/25

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Evelyn

Great documentary! I was tuned in from start to finish. Also had some good laughs. Heard this story growing up but to see actual footage was great. Love the representation of Providence

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

03/27/25

Full Review

Dave W

Very well done documentary that brought you into the movie. Informative and entertaining at the same. And if you live near Providence like I do seeing it in the building it took place adds to the experience.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

03/26/25

Full Review

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Jeremy Workman

Director

Jeremy Workman

Producer

Jesse Eisenberg

Executive Producer

Allen Altman

Executive Producer

Cathie Altman

Executive Producer

Matthew Spain

Executive Producer

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Secret Mall Apartment: Trailer 1

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Synopsis

In 2003, eight Rhode Islanders created a secret apartment inside the busy Providence Place Mall and kept it going for four years, filming everything along the way. Far more than just a wild prank, the secret mall apartment became an incredibly meaningful act for all the participants, at once an act of defiance against local gentrification, a boundary-pushing work of public/private art, and a 750 square foot space that sticks it to the man.

Director: Jeremy Workman
Producer: Jeremy Workman
Distributor: Wheelhouse Creative
Production Co: Wheelhouse Creative, Wildbrush Media, Wrong Turn Productions
Genre: Documentary
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Mar 21, 2025, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Sep 16, 2025
Box Office (Gross USA): $42.5K
Runtime: 1h 31m

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