Netflix Series Exposes Dark Truths Behind Wellness Influencers

LOS ANGELES, CA — Netflix‘s latest limited series, “Apple Cider Vinegar,” dives into the controversial world of wellness influencers, spotlighting the dark narratives that can arise within the influencer culture. The show follows two young women, Belle Gibson and Milla Blake, as they navigate the complexities of health and illness.

Created by acclaimed Australian writer Samantha Strauss, “Apple Cider Vinegar” tells a fictionalized story inspired by real-life events surrounding Belle Gibson, who infamously claimed to have healed herself from terminal brain cancer through a holistic lifestyle—an assertion now acknowledged as fraudulent.

Gibson’s tale begins in the early 2010s, when she falsely alleged a diagnosis of terminal brain cancer and launched a successful nutrition app and cookbook, all while promising to donate proceeds to charity. However, investigations revealed that she had not fulfilled her philanthropic commitments, ultimately leading to significant public backlash against her.

In the series, Milla Blake, portrayed by Alycia Debnam-Carey, serves as Gibson’s on-screen rival. Unlike Gibson, Milla is depicted as a genuine cancer patient, battling a rare form of sarcoma and employing alternative treatments in a quest for survival. Importantly, Milla’s character is an amalgamation of various real-life wellness influencers, particularly Jessica Ainscough, who faced a similar diagnosis.

Ainscough, a well-known Australian wellness figure and founder of “The Wellness Warrior” blog, was diagnosed with epithelioid sarcoma at the age of 22. As chronicled in her blog, Ainscough chose alternative treatments, including Gerson therapy, a method not scientifically supported, which she believed facilitated her wellness journey. Tragically, Ainscough’s health deteriorated over time, leading to her untimely death in 2015.

“I decided that I would do everything in my power to thrive in life, in spite of the looming expiration date I’d been given,” Ainscough wrote, expressing her commitment to seeking alternative remedies rather than conventional medical advice.

While Milla Blake is not a direct representation of Ainscough, Strauss notes that her character reflects the broader trends among wellness influencers at the time. “She’s someone who is desperately trying to save her own life and becomes blind to the truth because of it,” Strauss explained in a recent interview.

According to reports, Milla’s experiences draw on various aspects from Ainscough’s life, such as a relationship with her fiancé Tallon Pamenter, and a shared struggle regarding her mother’s battle with cancer, who also pursued alternative treatments before passing in 2013.

In the Netflix series, Milla refuses her doctor’s recommendation for amputation, opting instead for a regimen involving holistic practices. Predictably, her condition worsens, highlighting the dangers of eschewing conventional medical advice in favor of unproven methods.

One poignant aspect of the narrative involves the contrasting paths of Milla and Belle. While Gibson is portrayed as manipulative and deceitful, Milla’s character brings empathy for those navigating the complexities of serious illness.

Strikingly, Gibson attended Ainscough’s funeral and was reported to have displayed emotional turmoil during the service, an incident that showcases the multifaceted relationship between these public figures.

Amidst the fictional drama, “Apple Cider Vinegar” serves to caution audiences about the realities of misinformation in health and wellness narratives, emphasizing the potential consequences of the influencer culture.

As the final episodes of the series were released on February 6, fans have been left to contemplate the intricacies of truth and deception within the world of health influencers—an arena where credibility is often marketed but can be perilously misleading.