Netflix’s ‘Apple Cider Vinegar’ follows a scheming influencer
Netflix’s ‘Apple Cider Vinegar’ follows a scheming influencer
The Australian wellness influencer claimed to cure cancer but built her fame on one giant lie.
Get ready to dive into one of the most shocking scandals in recent memory. Netflix’s new limited series, “Apple Cider Vinegar,” dropping Thursday, Feb. 6, peels back the curtain on the rise and fall of Belle Gibson, a wellness influencer whose lies about curing cancer captivated - and deceived - millions. Starring Kaitlyn Dever as Belle and Alycia Debnam-Carey as her closest friend, the show explores how the pursuit of fame and influence can lead to devastating consequences. Here’s everything you need to know about the new biographical drama, “Apple Cider Vinegar.”
Everything you need to know about ‘Apple Cider Vinegar’:
What is ‘Apple Cider Vinegar’ about?
“Apple Cider Vinegar” is an Australian limited series with six episodes that dives into the jaw-dropping true(ish) story (per the trailer) of Belle Gibson, a wellness influencer who fooled the world. The show follows her rise to fame as she claimed to have cured her terminal brain cancer with clean eating and natural remedies, all while building a massive online following. Based on what I saw in the trailer, the series doesn’t just tell Belle’s story - it explores the consequences of her lies, shining a light on the darker side of social media and the wellness industry.
The real story behind “Apple Cider Vinegar” is even more shocking. Belle Gibson became a household name in the early 2010s after launching a successful health blog, a best-selling app, and even a cookbook. She positioned herself as a beacon of hope, sharing her supposed recovery journey with millions. But investigative journalists uncovered that her cancer diagnosis - and her incredible recovery – was all fake. The fallout was massive, leading to public outrage, lawsuits, and an ongoing conversation about trust in the influencer-driven wellness space.
But why “Apple Cider Vinegar” as a title for the series? I take it as a nod to the wellness industry that Belle Gibson took advantage of. Apple cider vinegar is often hyped as a miracle cure in health circles, just like the kind of natural remedies Belle claimed helped her fake recovery. It reflects how appealing (and risky) unverified health trends can be, making it a perfect fit for a series that dives into the darker side of influencer culture.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Two young women advocate for wellness remedies to cure deadly illnesses, unraveling their lives as they unknowingly — and knowingly — mislead the world.
What time will episodes of ‘Apple Cider Vinegar’ come on Netflix?
“Apple Cider Vinegar” is set to premiere on Netflix on Thursday, Feb. 6, 2025 at 3 a.m. ET. All six episodes of this Australian limited series will be available for streaming on that date, so you don’t have to worry about waiting weekly for more eps – binge away!
Netflix
Netflix is a leading subscription-based video streaming service that offers on-demand access to an extensive library of over 3,000 movies, 2,000+ TV shows, and a growing collection of acclaimed Netflix originals. Renowned for producing groundbreaking content, Netflix has become a cultural powerhouse with hit originals like “Stranger Things,” “Wednesday,” “Squid Game,” “The Crown,” “Tiger King,” “Bridgerton,” “The Witcher,” and “Black Mirror.”
Who are the main characters of ‘Apple Cider Vinegar’?
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Belle Gibson: Kaitlyn Dever plays Belle, the heart of the series. She’s a wellness influencer who rises to fame claiming she cured her terminal cancer naturally - but her whole story is a lie.
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Milla: Alycia Debnam-Carey plays Milla, Belle’s best friend and partner in their wellness business. She’s fully supportive of Belle, not realizing it’s all fake.
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Chanelle: Aisha Dee takes on the role of Chanelle, a friend of Milla’s who gets involved in Belle’s empire.
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Lucy: Tilda Cobham-Hervey plays Lucy, a cancer patient who becomes inspired by Belle’s story.
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Clive: Ashley Zukerman stars as Clive, a key figure in Belle’s life.
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Tamara: Susie Porter plays Tamara, a character who gets caught up in the ripple effects of Belle’s actions.
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Andrew Dal-Bello: Kieran Darcy-Smith plays Andrew, who’s involved in uncovering Belle’s massive web of lies.
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Doctor Chidiac: Doris Younane plays Doctor Chidiac, a medical professional who becomes entangled in the drama surrounding Belle’s claims.
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Tara Brown: Sibylla Budd plays Tara, someone who plays a big part in exposing Belle’s fraud.
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Doctor Walsh: Jeremy Stanford plays Doctor Walsh, another medical expert who’s connected to Belle’s story in surprising ways.
Is ‘Apple Cider Vinegar’ based on a true story?
Yes, “Apple Cider Vinegar” is based on the true story of Belle Gibson, an Australian wellness influencer whose life became one of the biggest scandals in recent memory. The series is inspired by the book “The Woman Who Fooled the World” by two journalists, Beau Donelly and Nick Toscano, which is a deep dive into Belle Gibson’s story. The authors delve into how Belle built her empire of lies and the investigative work that exposed the truth. The book also looks at the bigger societal factors that allowed her to manipulate so many people, offering a very interesting look at the intersection of influencer culture, wellness trends, and human vulnerability.
Beyond Belle’s personal downfall, the show also shines a spotlight on the wellness industry as a whole. It explores how health claims, amplified by social media, can spread misinformation, sometimes with life-or-death consequences. “Apple Cider Vinegar” doesn’t just tell Belle’s story - it’s also a reflection on the dangers of putting too much trust in the influencers who dominate the internet.