Netflix’s new limited series, Apple Cider Vinegar, has captivated audiences with its dramatic retelling of the story of Belle Gibson, the Australian wellness influencer who built her empire by claiming to have overcome terminal cancer through alternative therapies. The series, created by Samantha Strauss and based on the book The Woman Who Fooled the World by journalists Beau Donelly and Nick Toscano, takes viewers on a rollercoaster of emotions, blending fact with fiction. It follows two young women, Gibson and her fictional rival Milla Blake, who embody the twin strains of health and deception intricately knit within the wellness industry.
Set against the backdrop of the early 2010s, the show brings to light Gibson's rise, initially fueled by what seemed like inspirational advertising for her health-conscious lifestyle. Under the username @healing_belle on Instagram, Gibson attracted hundreds of thousands of followers, all drawn to her compelling narrative about battling brain cancer without conventional treatment. But as the series progresses, it reveals the devastating truth: her claims were entirely fabricated.
According to reports, Gibson claimed to have been diagnosed with terminal brain cancer at the young age of 20. She initially shared her story with sincerity, stating she had undergone chemotherapy, yet claimed to have abandoned it in favor of holistic approaches. By promoting her recipes through her app, The Whole Pantry, and penning best-selling cookbooks, she garnered immense fame, leading many to view her as both a beacon of hope and empowerment.
Yet as her popularity surged, accusations began to surface. Journalists Donnelly and Toscano were instrumental in peeling back the layers of Gibson's carefully curated online persona. Reports indicated she had never actually received cancer treatments, nor had she followed through on her promises to donate significant amounts of her earnings to charity. By 2015, she confessed publicly during an interview with Australian Women’s Weekly to never having had cancer, stating, "None of it’s true." This admission, shocking to many, led to widespread criticism and legal repercussions.
On the show, Gibson is played by Kaitlyn Dever, who captures the complexity of her character—a young woman who perhaps believed her alternative narratives to be true. Opposite her is Milla Blake, portrayed by Alycia Debnam-Carey. Although Milla's character is fictional, she draws inspiration from Jessica Ainscough, another wellness influencer known for her controversial health practices. Ainscough, dubbed the 'Wellness Warrior,' had also documented her health struggles publicly, claiming to stay healthy through radical dietary changes after her cancer diagnosis.
Like Gibson, Ainscough had been diagnosed with Epithelioid Sarcoma—the same type of cancer portrayed for Milla. While she initially pursued conventional methods of treatment, Ainscough later turned to alternative options such as Gerson Therapy, which promotes the belief of curing diseases through diet—claims dismissed by many medical professionals. Tragically, Ainscough passed away at the age of 29, just two years after Gibson’s grand rise to infamy. Their tenuous link made Ainscough's story particularly poignant, as viewers grappled with the ethical dilemmas raised by such wellness narratives.
The series intricately portrays the intertwining destinies of these two women, raising questions about authenticity, influence, and the morality embedded within the wellness industry. For example, Milla’s character experiences her struggles with cancer progressively worsening as she turns away from traditional medicine. Her tragic fate serves as both caution and critique of the narrative surrounding wellness influencers. The character’s motivations echo the influencer culture, often caught between their genuine struggles and the performance of health narratives for public consumption.
One notable scene depicts Belle attending Milla's funeral, where her emotional outbursts raise questions about authenticity and empathy—elements often absent when engaging with online personas. This fictional moment captures the nuances of their stories; both women sought to empower others, yet one used her illness to deceive and profit, whereas the other sought genuine connection and healing.
"Apple Cider Vinegar" also shines light on the sticky web of relationships within the wellness community. With Milla's character woven from various threads of real-life individuals, the show reveals how easily narratives can become distorted and manipulated. This shift speaks to today’s influencer dynamics, where unverified claims garner traction and followings quickly.
The series has sparked conversations about the impacts of false health claims on actual patients and the wider community, provoking discussions on the responsibilities of influencers. It serves as introspection on both consumer vulnerability and industry accountability—one long overdue.
With the conclusion of the miniseries leaving audiences pondering Gibson's current whereabouts—she has since evaded the spotlight and lives under the radar—questions remain about the accountability of those who perpetuate misinformation for personal success.
Despite her challenges, Gibson's legacy persists, echoing through the conversations sparked by Strauss's adaptation. The series encapsulates the duality of health narratives: inspiring yet potentially harmful. Viewers are left with cautionary tales about the alluring power of wellness—one grounded by real-life consequences and steeped heavily in personal responsibility.
"Apple Cider Vinegar" is currently streaming on Netflix, serving both as entertainment and as urgent reflection on the wellness world's impact on modern life.