"Apple Cider Vinegar" is a limited series on Netflix that premiered on Feb. 6. This telling of a true story about Belle Gibson features fictional characters and narratives. The series stars Kaitlyn Dever as Belle Gibson and Alycia Debnam-Carey as Milla Blake.
This series follows Belle Gibson, a wellness influencer who has claimed to have malignant brain cancer, which turns out to be false. She created an app called "The Whole Pantry," which consists of recipes that supposedly cured her cancer. These fraudulent claims led to her vast following on social media platforms and established a successful business that exploited people for their money. The portrayal examines the rise of wellness culture, social media's influence, and alternative medicine's appeal.
Highs
The highlights in "Apple Cider Vinegar" are Dever's performances. Her portrayal of Belle was strong and convincing, as was that of narcissism. The depth of her emotions were impressive and showed the true colors of Belle. In addition, Debnam-Carey’s portrayal of Milla was powerful and emotional. The real emotions portrayed a young woman diagnosed with epithelioid sarcoma, a rare soft tissue cancer. Her journey was painful and full of hope that one day she would survive.
The series' plot was significant, considering it explores the dangers of misinformation. False information on social media can affect many individuals around the world. Faking cancer is a substantial accusation and untrue claim that can sway people with actual cancer away from the treatments needed. This plot is engaging and keeps the audience intrigued throughout.
The series portrays how Instagram was in 2010 by capturing the aesthetic and design. It shows how Instagram can be seen as perfect for influencers when, in reality, that is not the case. The reality of influencers can involve financial struggles, health risks, and the pressure to succeed on social media.
The bond between Milla and her best friend, Chanelle (Aisha Dee), is strong and meaningful. Chanelle becomes friends with Belle at the beginning before she discovers that she faked her cancer. She is this young adult who manages social media influencers' meetings and book deals. The emotional scene portrayed when she found out Belle had faked her cancer was impressive and strong.
Lows
There were minimal lows within the limited series. The accuracy of the events portrayed by Milla was misrepresented by the father of the real woman, Jessica Ainscough. The lack of background information and ending clarity on the legal consequences that Belle was facing was a low.
Belle’s partner Clive (Ashley Zuckerman) was another low point, considering he never stood up to her. He would endure her mental abuse and narcissism to protect her child. He suspected her of faking cancer throughout the series but never did anything to stop it. This shows how he got manipulated and less capable of fighting for the truth.
Verdict
"Apple Cider Vinegar" is worth watching as it shows the possible consequences of disseminating false information. This show is full of depth and emotional aspects.
Rating: 8.5 out of 10
Mariam Fakhreddine is a film and theater reviewer for The Eastern Echo. She has worked as a news and features reporter for The Echo for two years.
