For eight years, filmmaker Debra Granik has meticulously chronicled the extraordinary journey of Coss Marte, a formerly incarcerated New Yorker who, against formidable odds, has built a thriving fitness empire rooted in his experiences behind bars. The result is "Conbody VS Everybody," a five-part docuseries that transcends a simple underdog story, offering a profound and unflinching look at the systemic barriers faced by individuals re-entering society after incarceration, while simultaneously celebrating the power of community, resilience, and self-determination. Granik, renowned for her deeply empathetic and socially conscious independent films like "Winter’s Bone" and "Leave No Trace," brings her signature observational style to this expansive documentary project, immersing viewers in the daily realities of those striving for a second chance.
The Genesis of Conbody: From Incarceration to Entrepreneurship
The narrative of "Conbody VS Everybody" begins within the confines of a correctional facility, where Coss Marte developed an innovative approach to physical fitness. Facing the harsh realities of imprisonment, Marte transformed his environment into a gymnasium, devising a rigorous bodyweight workout regimen that not only helped him shed over 70 pounds in six months but also inspired a collective weight loss of more than 1,000 pounds among his fellow inmates. This transformative experience laid the groundwork for what would become Conbody, a fitness brand that repurposes the very exercises learned in prison for civilian use.
Following his release in 2013, Marte channeled his entrepreneurial spirit and passion for fitness into establishing Conbody as a personal training service. The evolution of his business into a physical brick-and-mortar gym on the Lower East Side of New York City marked a pivotal moment, not just for Marte but for the community he aimed to uplift. Crucially, Marte prioritized hiring other formerly incarcerated individuals as trainers, providing them with not only employment but also a structured environment for continued rehabilitation and personal growth. Each trainer’s story within the series represents a unique facet of the struggle for acceptance and opportunity in a society often quick to judge and slow to forgive.
The Harsh Realities of Reentry: Systemic Obstacles and Stigma
"Conbody VS Everybody" unflinchingly confronts the pervasive challenges that greet over 650,000 individuals returning home from U.S. prisons annually. The series meticulously illustrates the "silent life sentence" that extends far beyond the completion of a prison term. For individuals, particularly those from marginalized communities, reentry is fraught with significant hurdles: pervasive stigmatization, deep-seated economic inequality, critical housing shortages, and a labyrinthine bureaucracy designed to impede rather than assist.
The docuseries highlights how gentrification and systemic privilege can further erase the histories and cultural identities of formerly incarcerated individuals, forcing them to navigate unfamiliar and often unwelcoming landscapes. Marte’s fitness-forward mission becomes a powerful symbol of rebuilding not just physical health but also community and self-worth in neighborhoods that have undergone significant transformation, often leaving long-term residents behind. Granik’s lens captures the essence of these struggles, showcasing how Marte’s vision of empowerment extends beyond individual fitness to encompass collective uplift and a fight for recognition.
A Deep Dive into the Prison Industrial Complex
Through years of unvarnished footage, Granik provides viewers with an intimate and often unsettling glimpse into the day-to-day realities of America’s prison industrial complex. The series eschews sensationalism, allowing the raw experiences of its subjects to speak for themselves. Marte’s remarkable adaptability and entrepreneurial acumen are consistently highlighted as he navigates the uphill battle for stability and success. Granik’s genuine interest and attentive presence behind the camera are palpable as she witnesses Marte’s relentless efforts to defy the odds stacked against him.
His business acumen is evident in his proactive approach to expanding the Conbody brand. Viewers witness him distributing flyers, organizing pop-up fitness events, and ingeniously pivoting to outdoor gym classes in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, demonstrating an impressive capacity for innovation and resilience in the face of unforeseen challenges.
The Disconnect Between Words and Actions: Investors and Prejudice
A particularly illuminating aspect of "Conbody VS Everybody" unfolds as Marte engages with potential investors at various conferences. These segments starkly reveal the superficiality and often disingenuous nature of corporate engagement with social impact initiatives. While many investors express admiration for Marte’s story and mission, their pronouncements of inspiration rarely translate into concrete action or financial commitment.
Marte’s personal advisor articulates a critical underlying issue: the inherent prejudice associated with investing in businesses led by formerly incarcerated individuals. This conversation underscores a broader, systemic problem. Marte is striving to build his dream in an era celebrated for its startup culture and the pursuit of entrepreneurial aspirations, yet the prevailing capitalist system is, in many ways, designed to work against him. The stark contrast is powerfully illustrated in the second chapter, which features footage of conference vendors showcasing prison technologies, including tasers and maximum-security doors – a chilling reminder of the industry that profits from incarceration.
Building Community and Offering Second Chances
As the docuseries progresses, Granik artfully expands its focus from Marte’s individual endeavors to the profound impact he has on his community. Whether mentoring individuals newly released from prison, leading an "Intro to Corrections" class, spending quality time with his son, Cathaniel, or providing unwavering support to a friend in need, Marte’s lived experiences translate into tangible, positive change.
A particularly poignant illustration of this is found in chapter two, where Marte dedicates significant effort to facilitating the release of his friend, Shane. After a frustrating series of phone calls and bureaucratic runarounds between the parole office and the correctional facility, Marte manages to track down the necessary paperwork to secure Shane’s release. This ordeal raises a critical question: What would have become of Shane if he had lacked such a robust and dedicated support system? The implication is clear: many individuals, lacking such advocates, risk slipping through the cracks of a system that often offers little recourse.
Empathy as a Catalyst for Change
"Conbody VS Everybody" powerfully advocates for the creation of welcoming spaces and the leadership of empathy as catalysts for personal growth and empowerment. Marte’s approach fosters an environment where individuals feel encouraged to break free from preconceived notions about their potential and to cultivate improved self-esteem. While acknowledging that the path to rebuilding lives after incarceration is undeniably an uphill battle, the series serves as a compelling testament to the possibility of redemption and the inherent value of second chances.
The docuseries ensures that the individual stories of everyone featured are given a much-needed spotlight, moving beyond Marte’s central narrative to encompass the collective experiences of those striving for a better future. Through a nuanced and deeply human perspective, Debra Granik’s "Conbody VS Everybody" ignites essential conversations about prevalent societal issues and illuminates an incredibly challenging, yet ultimately hopeful, path toward redemption and reintegration. The series not only documents Marte’s remarkable achievements but also serves as a powerful call to action, urging a reevaluation of how society supports and empowers those seeking to redefine their lives after incarceration.
