The Netflix series is based on the book The Woman Who Fooled The World by journalists Beau Donelly and Nick Toscano, which dives into the whole scandal. Over six episodes, the show jumps back and forth between 2009 and 2015, following Belle’s rollercoaster of a life. From growing up with awful parents and being stuck in a toxic relationship while pregnant in her early 20s, to starting her lie and becoming famous and rich, her story also ties in with another wellness blogger, Milla (Alycia Debnam-Carey), whose attempt to cure her own cancer with juice and enemas inspired Belle’s scam and led to a twisted rivalry.
Belle is very devious and manipulative. She clearly needs attention from others, but there’s something real about her loneliness and how much she just wants to be liked and noticed. The way she finds validation and meaning in social media feels uncomfortably relatable today. Dever’s performance is spot on as she never makes excuses for Belle’s actions, but she still gives us space to feel just a little bit sorry for her.
The main cast also includes Lucy (Tilda Cobham-Hervey), a breast cancer patient who wants to stop her medical treatment and follow in Belle’s footsteps, and Milla’s close friend Chanelle (Aisha Dee), who gets dragged into Belle’s world. They each represent a different type of victim. Lucy ends up suffering serious physical harm because she believes Belle’s lies, while Chanelle figures out she’s been sucked into a shady financial scam.
The show definitely takes aim at the wellness industry. It really points out how people with no real qualifications or experience get elevated, mostly because of their looks and status, and then take advantage of vulnerable people by spreading false info. At the same time, real health problems women face often get brushed aside, leaving them feeling like they have no choice but to try alternative solutions.
It really makes you wonder: what kind of space is social media now? Why do people post what they do, and should we be doing it? What purpose do those perfect-looking posts, sponsored ads, and branded content serve? Social media and commerce are totally intertwined now, with no sign of slowing down. Apple Cider Vinegar doesn’t give us the answers, like so many stories before it, but it does ask you to pay attention to the fine print behind all those pretty pictures.
