Netflix’s ‘Apple Cider Vinegar’ Is So Good, You Can Rewatch It Multiple Times

by

The beginning of Netflix’s Apple Cider Vinegar is a wild ride. Within the first few minutes, you’ll probably feel like you’re on a rollercoaster, overwhelmed by fast-moving emojis, and a little confused. Set to Britney Spears’ song “Toxic” – a surprisingly fitting choice – the documentary initially seems lighthearted. But that’s a deceptive first impression, especially given what the film is actually about.

The six-episode series, Apple Cider Vinegar, tells the story of Belle Gibson, an Australian influencer who falsely claimed to have cancer and used her fabricated illness to gain fame and fortune. Gibson promoted a healthy lifestyle, rejecting traditional cancer treatments like chemotherapy and radiation, and built a following on social media. This allowed her to launch a wellness app, secure a cookbook deal, and even partner briefly with Apple. However, her story was ultimately revealed as a hoax.

Don’t worry, this isn’t giving anything away. The show Apple Cider Vinegar quickly establishes its premise with a flashy opening sequence. However, even knowing that, the series offers a surprisingly complex look at the human cost of capitalism and social media – not just on individual health, but on society as a whole. The show clearly aims for depth, which makes it all the more surprising that it was overlooked during awards season despite being a critical success with a near-perfect Rotten Tomatoes score and becoming a hit on Netflix in 2025.

‘Apple Cider Vinegar’ Is Too Good and Complex to Watch Only Once

As a movie lover, I was completely captivated by Kaitlyn Dever’s performance as Belle Gibson. She plays this incredibly flawed, almost unlikeable character – a compulsive liar desperately seeking connection and approval. Belle fabricates illnesses to get attention, and Dever manages to make her surprisingly sympathetic. It’s a weird thing – you want her lies to be exposed, you want her to face the consequences, but you also find yourself feeling for her, at least a little. Because honestly, who hasn’t craved recognition, wanted to be seen and appreciated for who they are, even just for being? Dever really brings that vulnerability to the surface.

People who fall for her deception suffer greatly, becoming casualties of her actions. This includes her patient husband, Clive (who resembles B.J. Novak, played by Ashley Zuckerman), who is drawn into helping her despite himself, and many others who seem to be influenced by his partner’s bad behavior. We also see Lucy (Tilda Cobham-Hervey), a woman battling Stage 3 breast cancer. Her struggles highlight the contrast with the deceiver’s schemes – a vulnerable person in a difficult situation who, through endless medical treatments, becomes susceptible to false promises and exploitative practices.

Belle’s actions also indirectly harm Milla Blake (Alycia Debnam-Carrey), a writer and cancer survivor who becomes wary of traditional medicine. Milla’s story seems inspired by Jessica Ainscough, an author who changed her views on alternative cancer treatments before her death. Belle’s intense rivalry with Milla actually reinforces Milla’s beliefs, even when she starts to question them. This is highlighted by Chanelle (played with sharp humor by Aisha Dee), Milla’s best friend, who later becomes Belle’s manager and eventually exposes her boss. Like Belle’s partner Clive, Chanelle is initially captivated by Belle, mistaking Belle’s overwhelming attention for genuine connection and warmth. It’s a dynamic many people can relate to – either being the one showering affection, receiving it, or experiencing both sides.

Why Was ‘Apple Cider Vinegar’ Snubbed During the 2025 Awards Season?

Despite being released in January – a month often associated with unsuccessful launches – the lack of award recognition for the limited series Apple Cider Vinegar is particularly frustrating. Considering it was executive produced by an American actor and a respected British-Australian production company, it at least could have been considered for Golden Globe awards. The show is remarkable for its ability to reflect both the best and worst aspects of human nature, reminding us that morality isn’t simply black and white. Ultimately, it challenges our very definition of wellness.

Read More

2026-03-31 22:18