"Apple Cider Vinegar: Netflix's Drama Unveils the True Story of Belle Gibson's Deceit"
Netflix's upcoming series, Apple Cider Vinegar, features Kaitlyn Dever portraying Belle Gibson, an Australian scam artist. Set during the rise of Instagram, this six-episode drama explores the journeys of two women claiming to fight serious illnesses through wellness trends, ultimately revealing their falsehoods. The series is inspired by the true story of Gibson, known for deceitfully claiming she cured her cancer through diet, leading to a significant scandal and legal consequences.
Netflix is set to release a new series titled Apple Cider Vinegar, featuring Kaitlyn Dever as Belle Gibson, an infamous Australian scam artist. This six-episode drama centers around two women who, amidst their life-threatening illnesses, try to gain wellness through social media, only to reveal that their stories are fabricated.
Apple Cider Vinegar Explores Media's Role in Wellness Trends
The series, crafted by acclaimed Australian writer Samantha Strauss, delves into the intersection of media, food, and the wellness industry. Strauss, known for her work on Nine Perfect Strangers and Dance Academy, remarked on the portrayal of media as a weapon that exploits people's desire for health, while presenting wellness as a costly privilege.
An Impressive Cast Enhances the Narrative
Highlighting Australian talent, the series includes Alycia Debnam-Carey as Milla Blake, who advocates for food as a cure for her cancer diagnosis, and Aisha Dee as Chanel, a friend aiding Belle in her burgeoning business. Other notable actors in the project include Tilda Cobham-Hervey, Ashley Zukerman, Susie Porter, Matt Nable, and Mark Coles Smith.
A Story Rooted in Real Events
Apple Cider Vinegar is described as a "true-ish story based on a lie," drawing inspiration from the book The Woman Who Fooled the World by journalists Beau Donelly and Nick Toscano. It chronicles the rise and fall of Belle Gibson, who gained notable fame on Instagram, claiming she cured herself of terminal brain cancer through her wellness regime, leading to the launch of her app, The Whole Pantry, in 2013.
Controversy Surrounds Belle Gibson's Claims
Gibson's increasing claims of her health deteriorating led to the publication of a cookbook, but scrutiny over her fundraising promises and the legitimacy of her health claims ultimately surfaced. Investigative efforts revealed that she had never actually been diagnosed with cancer, culminating in a significant fine of $410,000 in 2017 for her fraudulent claims. As anticipation builds for the series, fans are eager for Netflix to announce a release date, ideally coinciding with a day off from work for optimal viewing.
