Conbody vs Everybody

Meet Debra Granik, a self-described "observer" whose multipart documentary CONBODY VS. EVERYBODY tracks an ex-con entrepreneur's efforts to build a business in a gentrifying New York City. In the following interview, Granik describes her path to filmmaking via sociology, her interest in the high stakes of everyday life, how CONBODY germinated as a fiction film before becoming a documentary, and the way she looks for nobility in each and every one of her characters.

Coss Marte, recently home from prison, builds a team of ex-cons who have a dream to own and operate a gym where they can teach exercise routines they learned in prison. They name the gym Conbody.

The Conbody gym attracts attention and clients. One of the trainers is sent back to jail on a parole violation, and the Conbody crew must step up to help him.

New trainers join Conbody, and the gym opens a pop-up workout spot at Saks Fifth Avenue. Coss's younger brother, Chris Marte, runs for New York City Council, shaking up an entrenched local political regime. Tragedy strikes, leaving the crew to support a grieving member of the team.