Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple Cider Vinegar is a Strange mini series with some interesting story choices and manipulations of the real events that took places, but it still manages to tell a shocking yet fascinating story about deception and dark side of the wellness industry.

I have been an avid researcher of Belle Gibson and her infamous scam for years now. The story of Belle Gibson is such a fascinating story for me because it horrifies me to my core, yet it makes me want to read more about the story. So when it was announced that Netflix would be releasing a mini series based on Belle Gibson, I was genuinely excited.

I got to finish the entire series in a few days, and while I was not disappointed, I am still confused at the directions it took. For one, I thought it was bizarre how the team made the series to be like a "teen girl" like drama at times, with pop songs in the intro. Next, I thought it was strange how they made their own story within the real life story, specifically the one about how Belle was caught.

However, I really enjoyed the performances of the actresses and actors. I found their performances to be convincing and they all seemed to be into their roles. I also really liked their decision of adding POVs of the Belle Gibson story from other characters, as it makes the story more gripping and you can imagine the shock of the world when they discovered that Belle was a fraud.

Overall, I enjoyed the series. It's definitely far from perfect, but I believe that the actors/actresses made it as interesting as it was. Oh, and if you have not read about Belle Gibson, I highly recommend reading about her story before watching this series.

Great set up, great acting, necessary story-it's good to see a portrayal of influencing that accurately captures how horrific it can be instead of glamorising it. I found the switching timeline a bit confusing but I do think that was intentional. The whole show was a good blend of not so serious and very serious which I feel like is very hard to do. I liked how one of the characters spoke to the camera/audience at the beginning of each episode, it was original and really humanised them!

I'm mainly writing this to express how amazed I am at Kaitlyn Dever's Australian accent. I hated (this TV version of) Belle so much and I feel like only exceptional actors can make you truly hate the characters they portray. As a bonus it was lovely to see some of the other actors be able to use their natural accents :)

Like many others have said this is a frustrating watch. The whole point of this show is what seems to be a growing trend of calling out the total fakes all around us that are representing themselves as having one of the worst diagnoses imaginable and turning it into a sinister, monetizing hoax.

The problem I have with this is even the other reviewers stating they have had cancer or are currently going through it... do I believe them???

I mean of course I do... but how do we REALLY know?!?!?

I absolutely agree this needs to be talked about because there are SO many fakes out there that are playing this evil game of monetizing a very serious medical diagnosis and using it to their benefit because they are sociopaths.

Overall I thought this was a great show and something I didn't want to watch at first but ended up watching and found it very well done. The lead actress is believable as Australian, wow. The rest of the cast knew their assignment. The pace was great and I wasn't bored at all but felt a lot of compassion.

Netflix's 2025 miniseries Apple Cider Vinegar offers a gripping portrayal of the real-life scandal surrounding Australian wellness influencer Belle Gibson. The series delves into the murky waters of social media influence, health misinformation, and the consequences of deceit.

Watching this series was a deeply personal experience. We've often turned to social media for health advice, trusting influencers who promote alternative treatments and lifestyles. Apple Cider Vinegar served as a stark reminder of the potential dangers lurking behind seemingly inspirational stories. It made me question how often I've taken such advice at face value without seeking professional medical opinions.

Positive Aspects:

• Stellar Performances: Kaitlyn Dever delivers a chilling and nuanced portrayal of Belle Gibson, capturing the character's manipulative charm and underlying insecurities. Alycia Debnam-Carey brings depth to Milla Blake, embodying the desperation and hope of someone grappling with a life-threatening illness.

• Thought-Provoking Narrative: The series adeptly critiques the wellness industry's darker side, highlighting how easily misinformation can spread in the digital age and the real-world consequences of such deceit.

• High Production Quality: From its sharp cinematography to a haunting musical score, the series maintains high production standards that enhance the storytelling experience.

Negative Aspects:

• Pacing Issues: Some viewers might find the series' pacing uneven, with certain episodes delving deeply into subplots that, while enriching, may detract from the central narrative.

• Emotional Intensity: Given its heavy themes, the series can be emotionally taxing, potentially making it challenging for viewers seeking lighter entertainment.

Conclusion: Apple Cider Vinegar is a compelling miniseries that sheds light on the perils of health misinformation and the ethical responsibilities of influencers. While it demands an emotional investment from its audience, the series rewards with powerful performances and a narrative that resonates in today's digital landscape.

Enthralling recap of a story many of us Aussies know well, but made none the less enticing, I was totally gripped from start to finish.

I'm Australian and didn't even realise the actress playing Belle was American!!

Even if you know the story, there's still plenty of detail and character building that really builds on the nuances of those involved.

Great acting, great cast, loved the direction and cinematography. Also really great depiction of the so-called wellness industry, the slow build of Instagram and influencer culture. Part of you wonders if it had been successful without the lies.

Really proud the Aussie TV industry did the story so well - I binged it in a day!!