Secret Mall Apartment is one of those stories that feels far too strange, too rebellious, and too imaginative to be real — yet somehow it is. Set in Rhode Island, the documentary revisits the unbelievable true account of a group of 20-somethings who, through equal parts creativity and audacity, managed to carve out a fully functioning secret apartment inside a mall. For years they used this hidden space as a home base for art, music, conversation, and community, all without ever being detected by mall security or the general public. The result was a punk-rock-infused slice of underground history that feels tailor-made for cinematic treatment.
Providence Place Mall aerial shot in SECRET MALL APARTMENT. Photo courtesy of Skyline Scenes.
It makes perfect sense, then, that this kind of scrappy, rule-breaking adventure would attract the attention of Jesse Eisenberg. Known primarily for his work in films like The Social Network (2010), Adventureland (2009), and Now You See Me (2013), Eisenberg brings his offbeat sensibilities and curiosity for human quirks into the documentary world as a producer and his touch is felt throughout the film; there’s an energy and rhythm to the storytelling that echoes the kind of youthful urgency he often embodies onscreen. And, thankfully, his leap into nonfiction storytelling pays off. Secret Mall Apartment works far more often than it doesn’t.
Providence Place Mall aerial shot in SECRET MALL APARTMENT. Photo Credit: Jeremy Workman. Photo courtesy of Music Box Films.
The pacing is especially notable. Much like the real-life escapade it chronicles, the documentary moves with a frantic momentum that mirrors the improvised, thrill-on-the-fly nature of the subjects’ lives. Director Jeremy Workman (Lily Topples The World) draws from a wide range of materials — archival footage, photographs, original art pieces, music, and candid interviews — to build a fully immersive snapshot of that era. The blend of old and new imagery is incredibly satisfying, creating a vibrant collage that reflects not just what these artists did, but why they did it. The story feels alive, pulsing with the same rebellious heartbeat that drove the original project.
While Secret Mall Apartment doesn’t necessarily aim to be the most profound or emotionally heavy documentary of the year, it absolutely succeeds at being entertaining. It delivers an engaging, often humorous look at a subculture that valued community, creativity, and pushing boundaries. The documentary never overstays its welcome, and, even if it isn’t groundbreaking in form, it wins you over with its spirit and the sheer oddity of the situation.
When it comes to the Blu-ray release, however, things get a bit more uneven. The picture quality is serviceable — good enough to enjoy, but far from a showcase of what high-definition transfers can offer. Some archival materials naturally look rougher due to their age and original format, but even the newer footage doesn’t fully pop. The sound mix falls into a similar category: clear enough to follow, but lacking the richness or polish that might elevate the experience. For a release built around a visually eclectic story, the technical presentation ends up being merely adequate.
L-R: Director Jeremy Workman and Colin Bliss in SECRET MALL APARTMENT. Photo Credit: Michael LIsnet. Photo courtesy of Music Box Films.
Where the disc truly shines is in its special features, and they are plentiful. With over 80 minutes of bonus material, fans of the documentary and the original art collective will find a lot to explore. Highlights include “The Mall and the Movie,” a Jesse Eisenberg Q&A featurette, and multiple theater Q&As with director Jeremy Workman. There’s also “On the Marquee,” the theatrical trailer, a promo compilation, and a delightfully quirky segment where Eisenberg reads Letterboxd reviews. Additional conversations with Eisenberg and Michael Townsend (Arte Journal) add depth to the film’s context, while deleted scenes, extended footage, and a timelapse of the recreation set further flesh out the story. Even niche addition, like the piece on tape art in Mobile, helps paint a fuller picture of the creative ecosystem surrounding the project.
L-R: James Mercer and Colin Bliss in SECRET MALL APARTMENT. Photo Credit: Michael Townsend. Photo courtesy of Music Box Films.
In the end, the special features are what make this Blu-ray genuinely worth purchasing, especially for anyone interested in underground art communities or the filmmaking process. While the documentary itself is fun, engaging, and memorable, the extras elevate the package into something more substantial.
Small Mall Apartment Special Features:
- Q&A Featurettes with Executive Producer Jesse Eisenberg & Director Jeremy Workman
- The Mall and the Movie Mini-Doc
- On the Marquee Photo Montage
- Deleted and Additional Scenes
- Jesse Eisenberg Reads Letterboxd Reviews
- Jesse Eisenberg & Michael Townsend in Conversation
- Recreation Set Timelapse
- Michael Townsend Tape Art Featurette
- Trailer & Promos
Available on digital September 16th, 2025.
Available on Blu-ray and DVD November 18th, 2025.
For more information, head to the official Small Mall Apartment website.
Final Score: 3 out of 5.
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Categories: Home Video, Reviews, streaming
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