Netflix’s Apple Cider Vinegar is more than just a dramatization—it’s a razor-sharp critique of modern wellness culture and the dangerous allure of internet fame. Inspired by the true story of disgraced influencer Belle Gibson, who built an empire by falsely claiming she cured terminal cancer through “clean living,” this six-part series blends dark humor, tragedy, and social commentary. Anchored by Kaitlyn Dever’s (Dopesick) career-best performance, the show is a must-watch for fans of Inventing Anna and true-crime dramas.
The Rise and Fall of Belle Gibson: A Story “Based on a Lie”
The series opens with a cheeky disclaimer: “This is a true story based on a lie.” Gibson (played by Dever) skyrockets to fame as a wellness guru, peddling unproven cancer “cures” like coffee enemas and apple cider vinegar tonics. Her empire crumbles when journalists uncover her fabricated medical history, exposing her as a scammer preying on vulnerable followers.
Key Themes:
- The toxic blend of desperation, narcissism, and greed in influencer culture.
- How social media platforms like Instagram enable misinformation.
- The real-world harm caused by pseudoscience in the wellness industry.
Kaitlyn Dever Shines in a Complex Role
Dever delivers a masterclass in portraying Belle’s duality—charismatic yet manipulative, vulnerable yet ruthless. The script (by The Sister creator Samantha Strauss) avoids painting Belle as a one-dimensional villain. Instead, it explores her traumatic upbringing under a narcissistic mother (Susie Porter) and her pathological need for validation.
Standout Moments:
- Belle’s rivalry with fellow influencer Milla Blake (Alicia Debnam-Carey), a cancer survivor who genuinely believes in alternative therapies.
- A chilling scene where Belle coldly declares, “I don’t have friends; I have hosts.”
Critical Reception & Audience Appeal
Praised for its sharp writing and biting humor, Apple Cider Vinegar has drawn comparisons to The Dropout and WeCrashed. Critics applaud its refusal to glamorize Belle, instead focusing on her victims—like Lucy (Tilda Cobham-Hervey), a cancer patient lured by false hope.
Who Should Watch?
- True-crime enthusiasts fascinated by real-life scams.
- Fans of character-driven dramas with moral complexity.
- Anyone questioning the ethics of influencer culture.
Final Verdict: 4.5/5
Apple Cider Vinegar is a timely, thought-provoking series that entertains while delivering a sobering message: in the age of viral lies, skepticism is survival. Dever’s performance alone makes it binge-worthy, but its critique of wellness scams will linger long after the credits roll.
Stream Apple Cider Vinegar on Netflix now.
FAQ Section
Q: Is Apple Cider Vinegar based on a true story?
A: Yes! It’s inspired by Belle Gibson, who falsely claimed to cure cancer through diet and lifestyle changes.
Q: Does the show blame social media for enabling scams?
A: Indirectly. It highlights how platforms reward sensationalism over truth, creating fertile ground for fraudsters.
Q: Is the series overly dramatic?
A: While fictionalized, creator Samantha Strauss uses dark humor and emotional depth to balance the absurdity of Belle’s lies.
Q: Where can I watch Apple Cider Vinegar?
A: Streaming exclusively on Netflix.
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