Unlocking the Secrets of ‘Secret Mall Apartment’: A 2025 Movie Review by Roger Ebert

“Secret Mall Apartment” is an intriguing documentary directed by Jeremy Workman that dives deep into the lives of a group of friends navigating the challenges of gentrification. Living in an artist-friendly neighborhood, they were suddenly uprooted from their homes as developments pushed them out. In response, they stumbled upon a hidden space in the very mall that displaced them and took the bold step of turning it into an apartment. This journey unfolded over three years, all while evading mall security and keeping their activities under the radar.

In Workman’s own words, the group’s mission with this secret apartment was to stage a unique protest against gentrification. They wanted to show developers that they weren’t going anywhere. The thrill of creating a “victimless crime” added another layer to their experience. They transformed a stark, concrete room, accessed only through crawl spaces and narrow stairs, into a makeshift home filled with furniture and personality.

At heart, “Secret Mall Apartment” explores artistic expression. It reveals how the urge to create often springs from deep personal experiences. The eight friends—Michael Townsend, Adriana Valdez Young, Colin Bliss, James J.A. Mercer, Andrew Oesch, Greta Scheing, Jay Zhengebot, and Emily Ustach—were not just squatters; they were artists using their circumstances to make a statement.

Michael Townsend, the group’s leader, is particularly notable. A “tape artist,” he creates temporary works using easily removable tape. His approach encourages people to make art together, even if they don’t see themselves as artists. Under his guidance, the group traveled throughout the U.S., crafting vibrant art pieces in unexpected places like schools, hospitals, and city streets. Their works often featured silhouettes that celebrated life, even amidst loss—like those honoring victims of the 9/11 attacks.

The film cleverly employs a mix of archival footage and re-creations to tell their story. Viewers will see raw moments filled with tension, including runs-ins with mall security as they attempted to transport construction materials. The filmmakers wisely chose to highlight the thrill of their project while acknowledging societal issues; for example, they note that the outcome could have been very different had the group been people of color.

Critics have praised Workman and editor Paul Murphy for their strong storytelling. They provide layers of context when needed, making the film engaging. While some may wish for deeper dives into personal relationships within the group, the film still captivates with its exploration of creativity and resilience.

Interestingly, recent discussions on social media have brought new relevance to the themes of the film. Users have shared their own experiences with gentrification and the fight for artistic expression in urban spaces. With art often at risk of being sidelined, “Secret Mall Apartment” serves as a reminder of the power creativity holds in challenging societal norms.

This documentary not only shines a light on the issue of gentrification but also inspires viewers to see beauty and art in unexpected places. It invites us to reflect on why there are so few artistic expressions in our everyday environments—and what we might do to change that.



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