Apple Cider Vinegar

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.

I don't typically watch "based on a true story" Netflix series, However, I saw an interview of Kaitlyn Denver where she absolutely nailed the Australian accent (a rarity for American actors). I decided to give the show a chance, and I'm very happy I did.

Apple Cider Vinegar is really good. It's a show that perfectly captures contemporary life; the possibilities and pitfalls of the internet, healthfluencers, "alternative" medicine, and the gender wars. It explores how the internet is a perfect "place" to weaponize sociopathy, doubt, and aspiration. How well meaning people can be sucked into a world of snake oil and quack treatments it for perfectly understandable reasons, always empathizing with the people on screen.

I have to say, Kaitlyn Denver is FANTASTIC as notorious scammer Belle Gibson. Denver not only masters the Australian accent, but manages to capture a distinct "Australian Millennial" vibe. Without heavy makeup or unique costuming, she still manages to melt away into her role.

I've seen Alycia Debnam-Carey in other stuff, but aside from being a dead ringer for Hilary Duff, she's never really stood out to me as an actress. Until now, of course. Her performance in Apple Cider Vinegar is really great, and I found her character - Milla Blake - to be such a great foil to Belle. The entire cast is pretty phenomenal, but the two lead actresses really steal the show here.

I also have to commend this show for really UNDERSTANDING the internet and social media. I love how when people are depicted as being on Instagram Live or YouTube or Facebook, the content LOOKS the way it's supposed to. Even TV interviews are shot like actual TV interviews, perfect lighting and all. YouTube videos shown in the series LOOk like actual YouTube videos.

And the transitions feel so seamless and energetic; almost like how it feels flipping from app to app and responding to messages in between. It's a pretty well paced show, every episode feels fairly packed with stuff happening and while it does dip in quality a bit in the middle, it's never boring.

I will say, the show plays around with non-linear storytelling which is mostly effective (it would definitely be a lesser show if it were told entirely chronologically) but it can be a bit confusing at times.

Overall though, Apple Cider Vinegar really exceeded my expectations. It's a show with the energy and intrigue of an Inventing Anna with the quality performances and intensity of Adolescence.

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 :)

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.

I have 2 more episodes to finish so this review might change but wow this series gripped me.

I wish, that other series about con was like this. Gripping and great storytelling.

You see how dangerous it is to pry on vulnerable minds... people who just tired of having to go through tests and procedures and saw no changes on their bodies.

Having put in time and money to all these treatments. Time that they could not get back. But also time that they ended up trading for those optional treatments that could have been used for actual treatments.

Cancer is a fickle thing... your body sure betrayed you. It is a disaster on one self and family and friends...

I think the whole series is a good reminder of that. Don't take time and health for granted.

Kaitlyn Dever is amazing. I grew up in Australia and still visit it time to time, her accent is Australian. I totally forgot she is an american actress. I really can't wait to see her as Abby in the Last of Us.

The screenwriting is interesting. I like the opening bits and pieces that they did. The other actor and actress are good. They all fit their characters. I really do feel sorry for Clive (plus he is very easy on the eyes). Just sad to see someone like him get taken advantage of everytime...

I'm sad that I only have 2 episodes to go. This series just tick the boxes for me. Interesting story / premise, good execution, tight editing. I love it.