Apple Cider Vinegar Review: Exposing the Dangerous Lie Netflix Turned Into Must-Watch TV
Apple Cider Vinegar Review: A Shocking Tale of Lies & Influence
What happens when social media fame, wellness culture, and unchecked deception collide? You get Apple Cider Vinegar, a six-episode Netflix drama that is as infuriating as it is compelling.
Based on real-life events, this series takes an unflinching look at the consequences of influencer culture, alternative medicine, and the thin line between self-deception and outright fraud.
From the very first episode, Apple Cider Vinegar grabs your attention with its unique visual storytelling, text messages popping up on screen, social media reactions flooding the frame, and direct-to-camera confessionals that make it feel like you’re scrolling through a live feed of someone’s downfall.
But beyond the flashy aesthetic, this series dives deep into morality, manipulation, and the terrifying power of belief.
What Is Apple Cider Vinegar About? (No Spoilers)
When I first stumbled across Apple Cider Vinegar on Netflix, I had no idea what to expect. The thumbnail caught my eye, but I hadn’t seen much buzz about it online. Within minutes of watching, I was hooked.
The cinematography was vibrant, fast-paced, and immersive, pulling me right into the world of social media wellness influencers. It felt intimate like I was watching a live on Instagram.
The show’s tone was unexpected. It had a quirky, almost chaotic energy that made it feel both suspenseful and darkly humorous. At times, it felt like I had a first class seat to drama unfolding in real-time, better believe the tea was piping hot.
Is Apple Cider Vinegar on Netflix Based on a True Story?
Without giving too much away, Apple Cider Vinegar follows two wellness influencers whose lives intertwine in ways that are both shocking and disturbing.
One is a genuine cancer survivor who shares her journey with holistic treatments. The other? A pathological liar who fabricates an illness to build an empire.
The story, loosely inspired by the real-life scandal of Belle Gibson, is a gut-punch exploration of how far people will go for fame, validation, and financial gain. The show masterfully balances drama and suspense, making every episode feel packed with tension.
Watching the contrast between these two women—one clinging to a dangerous sense of denial, the other exploiting people’s trust for profit was gripping from start to finish.
If I had one minor critique, it would be that the timeline was occasionally confusing. The series jumps between different points in time, and while this enhances the storytelling, it sometimes required a moment to recalibrate.
Apple Cider Vinegar Review: Who Stood Out the Most?
Let’s be real, Belle was the star of this show, and not in a good way. Her absolute audacity was mind-blowing. Watching her lie, manipulate, and double down on her deception was both enraging and fascinating. She was the human embodiment of cancer spreading, consuming, and destroying everything in her path.
Milla, the actual cancer survivor, was equally frustrating in her own way. Her refusal to amputate her arm at the start of her diagnosis despite knowing it could save her life was agonizing to watch.
I get it, though. When you’re young, beautiful, and thriving, the idea of losing a limb is terrifying. But vanity and denial are dangerous bedfellows, and as her cancer returned, it became clear how deep in self-delusion she was.
Supporting characters like Milla’s father provided much-needed grounding. He was the voice of reason in a show full of people ignoring reality.
Can we talk about that gut-wrenching scene, when Milla’s father broke down in the hospital after hearing that he will be losing his daughter to cancer, too. It was one of the most emotionally devastating moments in the series, and it hit hard.
Meanwhile, Milla’s friend Chanelle and the journalist husband (Justine)played crucial roles in uncovering the scam, though at times, I questioned if Lucy’s (breast cancer victim) subplot was entirely necessary.
The Dark Side of Social Media & Wellness Scams
At its core, Apple Cider Vinegar is about ethics, influence, and the terrifying impact of misinformation. Belle’s story isn’t just about one scammer, it’s about the entire ecosystem that allows people like her to thrive.
The desperate cancer patients seeking hope, the tech companies profiting off wellness misinformation, the media glorifying “inspirational” figures without scrutiny, it all plays a role.
Milla’s arc highlights the dangers of stubborn denial. Even when the evidence is undeniable, people will cling to their beliefs to avoid facing harsh realities. It’s a cautionary tale about how ideology, whether in wellness culture, social media, or life in general can become a prison.
And the title? Apple Cider Vinegar is the perfect metaphor. Just like how ACV is touted as a miracle cure for everything (from weight loss to cleaning your countertops), these influencers market wellness as a cure-all solution, whether it’s true or not. The show brilliantly critiques the way alternative health movements can be exploited for profit.
Final Verdict: Is Apple Cider Vinegar Worth Watching?
🔥 Rating: 8.5/10 🔥
This was a damn good series. Well-acted, visually engaging, and packed with social commentary, Apple Cider Vinegar is a must-watch for anyone interested in true crime, wellness culture, or the psychology of scammers.
Would I recommend it? Absolutely. If you love shows that explore the dark side of human nature (Inventing Anna, The Dropout, Dirty John), this is right up your alley.
Could there be a second season? No. This was a self-contained story, and anything more would feel unnecessary.
If I had to change one thing? Honestly, not much. Sure, most of the characters were unlikeable, but that was the point. Sometimes, storytelling isn’t about finding people to root for, it’s about watching a train wreck unfold and understanding why it happened.
Looking for more intense dramas like Apple Cider Vinegar? Here’s a list of must-watch dark dramas that dive into twisted narratives and moral dilemmas.
Disclaimer: This blog is for informational and entertainment purposes only. All copyrights and trademarks for the TV shows, films, and other media referenced are the property of their respective owners. This blog aims to provide original commentary and insights and claims no ownership over third-party content.
