Netflix’s New Miniseries Unravels the Belle Gibson Wellness Hoax

Sydney, Australia — Netflix has released a new six-part true-crime miniseries titled “Apple Cider Vinegar,” which delves into the notorious case of Belle Gibson, an Australian wellness influencer who built a fraudulent empire by exploiting her fabricated cancer diagnosis. The series premiered on February 11, 2025, and highlights Gibson’s deceptive practices that gained momentum during the early days of social media.

Starring Kaitlyn Dever as Gibson, the series is crafted by showrunner Samantha Strauss, who employs nonlinear storytelling and fourth-wall breaks to explore the complexities of truth in Gibson’s narrative. Gibson falsely claimed to have cancer and promoted natural remedies through her Instagram and app, Whole Pantry, convincing countless followers to abandon conventional medical treatments. “It’s a striking reminder of how narratives are crafted in the wellness industry, often at the expense of truth,” Strauss said in a recent interview.

The show introduces viewers to various perspectives in Gibson’s life, from her own beliefs to those of her crisis PR manager, Hek (played by Phoenix Raei), and her mother, Natalie (Essie Davis). Each episode opens with a disclaimer that emphasizes the complicated relationship between truth and lies in storytelling: “This is a true story based on a lie.” As the series progresses, this statement transforms, raising questions about the veracity of Gibson’s claims.

In the unfolding drama, viewers witness how Gibson’s fabrications led to real-world consequences, influencing the lives of cancer patients who rejected traditional therapies based on her advice. Dever’s performance has received acclaim, with critics noting how she embodies the conviction and charm of Gibson while revealing the darker aspects of her character.

The narrative’s complexity is highlighted by moments of introspection, such as when Hek boldly declares in Episode 3, “Do you care? Should you?” This critique invites the audience to reflect on their own engagement with true crime narratives and the often exploitative nature of the genre.

Believing in Gibson’s story stemmed from the allure of her narrative, but the series points to a broader societal issue: the trust placed in wellness influencers over medical professionals. The parallels between Gibson’s deception and contemporary trends in health advice are both alarming and thought-provoking.

“Apple Cider Vinegar” ultimately concludes with a sobering reminder of the dangers of blind trust in influencers, as it intersperses real-life outcomes of Gibson’s actions, including her 2017 conviction for misleading the public. The show invites viewers to question the authenticity of health-related claims made by social media personalities, particularly those without medical credentials.

Potential viewers have expressed a mix of fascination and skepticism about the shift in focus within the true-crime genre, as many are increasingly critical of how these stories are told. It appears this miniseries not only aims to entertain but also to educate and foster deeper conversations about health, misinformation, and the role of social media in shaping public perception.

In reflecting on the series’ impact, Lauren, a viewer, noted, “This show is a reality check about how easily we can be misled in the name of wellness. It forces us to examine who we trust for guidance on our health.” Such perspectives underscore that Apple Cider Vinegar is not merely a recount of Gibson’s story but also a reflection on the larger implications of the wellness industry today.