Words Tabatha Golat
I don’t think I’m alone in believing that most people have, at some point, dreamed of staying overnight in a shopping mall. As a child, the idea felt magical. Empty hallways, toy stores at your disposal, endless food court snacks, and the freedom to explore without rules. When the trailer for the documentary Secret Mall Apartment first dropped, that childhood fantasy came rushing back. The premise was too wild and intriguing to ignore. This month’s Screen Scene recommendation is now streaming on Netflix, and it is as delightful and surprisingly entertaining as it sounds.
Directed by Jeremy Workman, Secret Mall Apartment tells the true story of a group of artists in Providence, Rhode Island, led by Michael Townsend, who secretly built and lived in a hidden apartment inside the Providence Place Mall. What began as a challenge to see if they could spend seven days undetected inside the mall slowly evolved into something much bigger and more intricate. Over the course of four years (2003 to 2007), the group transformed an unused, forgotten space into a fully-furnished apartment, complete with furniture, electricity and a locking door, all hidden in the depths of the mall.
By day, they blended in as shoppers, eating food court meals, trying on clothing, watching movies and passing time. By night, they slipped into their secret space, always aware they could be discovered at any moment. The documentary also explores the history of the mall itself, which was built as part of a redevelopment project that displaced local artists and reshaped the surrounding neighbourhood. In this context, the secret apartment becomes more than a prank. It reads as a quiet act of protest and an unexpected piece of social commentary on gentrification, public space and artistic freedom.
At first, I found myself questioning the audacity of it all. As the film unfolds, however, it becomes clear these were artists deeply invested in their community. Townsend and his collaborators created public art projects in hospitals using removable tape and travelled to New York after 9/11 to create guerilla memorials honouring victims and first responders. Knowing this history shifted my perspective entirely. What initially seemed reckless became surprisingly moving, generous and thoughtful.
Secret Mall Apartment is funny, nostalgic and deeply engaging. Even if you’re not usually drawn to documentaries, this one is a wildly entertaining and unforgettable experience worth watching.
If you enjoyed this film, you might also like:
1. Exit Through the Gift Shop (Tubi)
2. The Yes Men (Apple TV)
3. Grey Gardens (Crave)
4. American Movie (Prime Video)
5. Be Kind Rewind (Prime Video)
