Apple Cider Vinegar

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 :)

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.

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.

What a line that encapsulates the human parasites that walk amongst us wearing a veneer of normality. A tale as old as time is that of the snake oil salesperson and its numerous iterations across history, culminating in the 21st century in individuals, such as Belle Gibson, Anna Delvey (Inventing Anna) and Christopher Duntsch (Dr Death), to name a few whose notoriety resulted in their own Netflix series.

Do people learn from such examples of sociopathic creatures and the havoc they wreak, or are we helpless against the sweet empty promises of the cunning and beguiling? The one common thing about snake oil salespeople is that they target people's weaknesses and manipulate these insecurities to their advantage. The defense against them is knowing ourselves better than they do, but not everyone has that level of self-awareness.

Unlike the other two series, it can be difficult to discern in Apple Cider Vinegar what is real and what is derived from imagination of the writers, who deftly filled in the blanks to create a cohesive story about Gibson, who she was, how she came to be, and the unfortunate consequences of her ambition. What is certain is that she feigned brain cancer to garner sympathy and attention, fraudulently promoted herself as a survivor through natural remedies, leading her to provide false hope to countless cancer sufferers, some of whom could have survived if it weren't for her lies.

The story crosses between three main couples - Belle and her codependent partner, Clive; Milla, a fictitious social media influencer/cancer warrior and her friend/business partner/whistle blower, Chanelle; and Lucy, another fictitious cancer patient who is swayed by the ideas of Milla and Belle, to the dismay of her journalist partner, Justin. Milla represents the misguided social media types who reject expert advice they don't agree with, and end up deceiving themselves and others in the attempt to minimise their cognitive dissonance. Lucy represents those that fall prey to types like Milla and Belle because they are facing abject despair and desperately clinging onto hope.

The series explores the origin of Belle's personality disorder as a combination of innate vulnerabilities and environmental factors, including her dismissive and self-serving mother, which probably isn't far from the truth. People aren't born with narcissistic and antisocial personality disorders, which Belle Gibson would most likely qualify for. Those like her often believe the lies they tell themselves to escape the excruciating shame they feel as a result of their upbringing and actions, and usually have no conscious awareness of their shame.

ACV is a thoughtful examination of desperation and hope, of opportunists and their unwitting prey, of broken children and their dysfunctional childhood, of anecdotal evidence vs scientific reasoning borne out of many years of arduous study and specialist training. Still it could have benefitted from sharper editing and storytelling; six episodes each spanning a full hour seemed overlong. But it does have a killer soundtrack.

Apple Cider Vinegar tackles a critical and sensitive topic-exploiting vulnerable individuals for money and fame in an era dominated by social media. The subject matter is incredibly important, and the show earns credit for bringing such an issue to the forefront.

Despite its heavy themes, the overall presentation feels oddly unserious. The editing, in particular, gives the series a high school drama vibe, which undercuts the gravity of the topic at times. The dialogue itself is fine, but it's the editing choices that contribute to this lighthearted tone.

On the positive side, the performances are a standout element. The characters come across as well-developed, with the main actress delivering a remarkable performance. In particular, the segment revealing the truth and story of the girl who passed away is both inspiring and emotionally impactful, adding genuine depth to the narrative.

However, the pacing is a significant drawback-the story often feels dragged out, making it hard to stay fully engaged. Despite this, the core message still resonates strongly, making it a worthwhile watch for those interested in the issues it explores.

Overall, I'd rate Apple Cider Vinegar a 6 out of 10. It's recommended for viewers who value important social commentary, but be prepared for a somewhat slow and uneven experience.