The upcoming Netflix series "Apple Cider Vinegar" dives deep beneath the curated world of social media influencers, exploring the life of Belle Gibson, one of the first wellness gurus who made headlines for all the wrong reasons.
Set against the backdrop of Instagram's rise, the six-episode drama follows two young women determined to cure their life-threatening illnesses through health and wellness practices. Starring Kaitlyn Dever as Gibson and Alycia Debnam-Carey as Milla Blake, the series focuses on their quest for healing, which they publicized on social media, helping them build substantial followings along the way. The twist? None of it is true.
Gibson came to prominence by claiming she had terminal brain cancer, portraying herself as the ultimate wellness advocate whose diet and lifestyle cured her ailments. She launched significant ventures, including the app "The Whole Pantry" and its accompanying cookbook, even claiming her health issues stemmed from complications related to the Gardasil HPV vaccine.
According to journalist Beau Donelly, who co-authored the investigative book "The Woman Who Fooled the World" alongside Nick Toscano, Gibson's claims unraveled when, weeks before her cookbook was set for release, investigations revealed them to be fabrications. "At first, many of her followers jumped to her defense, suspecting a conspiracy by Big Pharma and Big Medicine, but then the tide of public opinion shifted to being adverse," observed reviewer Ian Freckelton.
Gibson's deceit was substantial and paved the way for significant repercussions. She falsely insinuated suffering myriad health issues, from cancer spreading to her spleen and liver to her claims of dying during medical procedures, all supposedly cured by potatoes and salads. Despite these claims, charities from which she'd supposedly raised money reported never receiving funds, leading to theories about whether she suffered from Munchausen’s syndrome.
The unwinding of Gibson’s empire came to light following hard-hitting journalism. Reports revealed she had never truly battled cancer, resulting in fines exceeding $1 million after being found guilty of deceiving cancer patients. Following this exposé, Gibson transformed from wellness idol to social pariah, facing backlash from devastated followers and the broader public disgusted by her exploits.
The creators of "Apple Cider Vinegar" aim to provide nuanced commentary on this saga, with showrunner Samantha Strauss describing it as both enjoyable and thought-provoking. "Samantha Strauss has created a series... It’s complex, it’s got bounce and it’s got bite, and we love it," remarked Executive Producers Liz Watts and Louise Gough during press releases. The story, both entertaining and unsettling, leads viewers to reflect on the broader wellness industry and its appeal through the lens of social media.
The cast boasts considerable talent, including Aisha Dee, Tilda Cobham-Hervey, and Mark Coles Smith, enhancing the narrative's emotional depth. This representation reflects wellness culture's complex reality and its intertwining with today's influencer-driven digital environment.
Filmed across various Melbourne locations, "Apple Cider Vinegar" utilizes captivating visuals to complement its riveting story, all set to be released on February 6, 2025. Strauss asserts, "It’s really interesting to look at how media uses food as a weapon against us and how much we crave the nourishment, but how much of a privilege and how expensive it is to try to be well," hinting at the series' investigative undertone.
With its release looming, anticipation builds as the trailer showcases Gibson's dramatic rise, glamorous lifestyle, and the inevitable crash as secrets unravel. From the early success of her health app to the moment public support evaporated, this series illuminates the fine line between truth and deception within the influencer culture.
Gibson's story serves not just as entertainment, but as a stark reminder of the lengths individuals can go to gain fame and influence, questioning the integrity of the wellness industry and the followers eager to believe.
"Apple Cider Vinegar" promises to captivate viewers, who will undoubtedly reflect on how social media's allure can warp perceptions of health and authenticity.