Netflix Series Explores Belle Gibson's Rise and Fall in Wellness Industry
Netflix's series Apple Cider Vinegar depicts Belle Gibson's rise as a wellness influencer and her fall after exposing her false cancer claims, featuring strong performances but a frustrating narrative style.
Netflix's new six-part series Apple Cider Vinegar, released today, is based on the true story of Belle Gibson, a young Australian woman who became a prominent wellness guru with millions of followers. However, her reputation fell apart in 2015 when it was revealed that her claims of battling brain cancer were fabricated.
The series opens with Belle, portrayed by Kaitlyn Dever, addressing the camera directly, stating, "this is a true story based on a lie." It begins in 2015, with Belle meeting crisis management expert Hek (Phoenix Raei), who is sceptical about her insistence that she had cancer and wishes to correct the narrative. Hek believes the accusations made by Milla Blake (Alycia Debnam-Carey), a legitimate cancer survivor.
In flashbacks to 2013 in Melbourne, we see Belle sharing videos about her supposed terminal brain cancer diagnosis, where doctors reportedly gave her just "six weeks to live." She meets Lucy (Tilda Cobham-Hervey), who admires Belle's claims and stories of natural remedies. Meanwhile, Lucy's husband Justin (Mark Coles Smith) remains doubtful of Belle's authenticity. Belle's former manager, Chanelle (Aisha Dee), reaches out to Milla, who expresses her desire to expose Belle.
The narrative also reflects on Milla's journey after her arm cancer diagnosis and her decision to pursue alternative treatment despite her oncologist's recommendations. Belle is depicted as seeking sympathy through deceitful narratives, including a sob story that fails to garner support.
While the series draws comparisons to Scamanda and The Dropout, its storytelling technique is often frustrating. With frequent voiceovers and Belle's direct addresses to the audience, viewers are reminded of her manipulative nature in a manner that feels unnecessary. The non-linear approach to storytelling leads to confusion as it hops through timelines gratuitously.
Despite these issues, Kaitlyn Dever's performance as Belle is commendable. Her ability to portray Belle as empathetic while continuously lying adds depth to the character. Supporting performances from Dee, Debnam-Carey, and Cobham-Hervey are also noteworthy and may maintain viewer interest amidst the structural shortcomings of the series.
In conclusion, while Apple Cider Vinegar features strong performances, its convoluted narrative detracts from the compelling nature of Belle Gibson's story.
