Unveiling the Truth: The Shocking Ending of ‘Apple Cider Vinegar’ Explained!

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The catchy, mixed-genre series titled “Apple Cider Vinegar” by Netflix is rapidly gaining popularity and looks set to be another of their internet sensations.

As a devoted viewer, I can’t help but express my excitement about this captivating take on the crime genre, a series that delves into the extraordinary journey of Belle Gibson, an Australian single mom who seemingly conquered the wellness world by claiming to have brain cancer and healing herself through a purely organic lifestyle. However, as Netflix puts it, “All of which would be incredibly inspiring… if it were all true.

Debuted on Netflix last Friday, the series “Apple Cider Vinegar” was penned by Samantha Strauss, an acclaimed Australian writer and producer known for shows like “Nine Perfect Strangers” and “The End”. She collaborated with rising talents Anya Beyersdorf and Angela Betzien in scripting this show. The concept of the series is loosely based on the non-fiction book “The Woman Who Fooled the World”, written by Beau Donelly and Nick Toscano, who exposed Gibson’s deception that ultimately led to her conviction. With a playful tone and catchy tunes from the realm of millennial pop music, “Apple Cider Vinegar” delves into both the shady side and glamorous aspects of the wellness industry, while simultaneously documenting the advent of Instagram and the emergence of influencers. Kaitlyn Dever, famed for her roles in “Dopesick” and “Booksmart”, delivers a captivating performance as Gibson, skillfully portraying her unique psychopathology and undeniable charm (all while flawlessly mastering the Australian accent).

Following its debut, Apple Cider Vinegar has sparked numerous articles and explanatory pieces as critics and audiences delve into Gibson’s intriguing real-life tale while also examining the deeper themes Strauss skillfully incorporates within her compassionate yet incisive storytelling. Currently, Strauss is developing a new project for Netflix in the U.K., titled Grown Ups – an eight-part family drama adapted from a top-selling novel by Irish author Marian Keyes.

The Hollywood Reporter interviewed the showrunner regarding her decision to avoid meeting the genuine Belle Gibson, expressing her hope that viewers will comprehend the open-ended nature of the series’ conclusion in their own unique ways.

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What was the initial source that introduced you to Belle Gibson’s tale, and what factors ultimately led you to develop a series based on her?

I hadn’t delved deeply into the Belle Gibson saga until I read “The Woman Who Fooled The World” by Nick Toscano and Bo Donnelly. This book not only provided an engrossing account of their investigation into Belle, but also skillfully wove a broader narrative about wellness culture and its intersection with elements like social media and the medical industry. Moreover, it featured stories of individuals who genuinely had cancer and were followers of Belle, which added emotional depth to the tale.

Reading this book provided an enlightening perspective on the Belle Gibson case, offering a narrative that was not just another repetition of the common rise-and-fall pattern, but one that delved deeper into complexities. As a writer, I was excited about the opportunity to address matters close to my heart such as wellness and medicine, without being bound by strict definitions. The story could exist in the gray area, mirroring the ambiguity many young women experience today. Writing Belle’s story required immense empathy, and as a writer, it was essential for me to attempt to understand her actions fully. However, I didn’t intend to offer forgiveness, but rather, to seek explanations for her choices.

Have you given thought to reaching out to Belle Gibson herself while you were conducting your research or writing?

Instead of confronting her directly, I chose to maintain a distance, believing it would be beneficial. Furthermore, I had reservations about discussing her story with her since I felt I might still reveal it even if she asked me not to. This is because the actions she took had such devastating impacts and potentially caused harm to many people. Therefore, my decision was influenced by the belief that I wouldn’t stoop to taking cheap shots at her, but also that I wouldn’t allow the show to completely exonerate her.

Could you tell us more about what sparked your unique fascination with the differences between the wellness industry and traditional medicine? If it’s not too much trouble, could you share its origins?

In much the same way as many others, my life has been influenced by health crises such as cancer and heart disease. Growing up, my father, who was a doctor despite his own ill health, showed great interest in acupuncture and Eastern medicine. He frequently discussed how his medical peers would disregard alternative healing methods like these. Throughout my life, we had numerous discussions about such topics. Subsequently, I produced a series titled “The End” (2020), which aired on Showtime in the U.S. and Sky in the U.K., focusing on the right to die and the ethical debates surrounding it. Given that I criticized doctors in this show, I decided to create “Apple Cider Vinegar” as a tribute to the world of medicine rather than a critique.

Currently, one of my close friends is dealing with a heart-wrenching situation: her young son, who is three years old, has been diagnosed with cancer. The hospital visits are agonizing for her as she watches doctors administer treatments that, from an outside perspective, might seem like they’re causing pain to her child. However, the boy appears relatively healthy on the surface. This has led my friend to consider alternative healing methods – such as feeding him bone broths – in hopes that it will cure him. The longing for wellness, not just for oneself but especially for loved ones, can be incredibly powerful.

In modern healthcare settings, patients are often expected to advocate for themselves. This can be challenging, and the advice to “do your own research” only adds to the confusion. People are naturally scared and unsure about what information they should trust. It’s easy to see how one could become misled or swayed in such a situation.

What I enjoyed most about the series was its versatility in tone. It manages to encompass a wide range of emotions, including elements of mystery, humor, warmth, social commentary, allure, and deep sorrow. Does this reflect your perspective on life? Were there moments when shifting tones proved challenging?

From my perspective, it’s all about having the right mindset. Life can be incredibly intense and exhilarating at the same time, especially when you’re tackling big challenges like we did. It wasn’t always easy to strike the perfect balance between tones, but we sure gave it our all. Working alongside my fellow writers Anya Beyersdorf and Angela Betzien was an absolute joy. These ladies are incredibly gifted storytellers! Our shared goal was to be a bit unconventional – to break free from typical TV cliches and push boundaries.

What makes these young female characters so special is that they each have their unique, engaging qualities. Even though we tackled some heavy subjects in the show, it never felt like a chore or forced. Instead, it was more like enjoying a fun ride! We were fortunate to have Jeffrey Walker as our director and Kaitlyn Dever as our star. Kaitlyn has an incredible ability to seamlessly transition between emotions – from heart-wrenching tragedy to spine-tingling horror, and laugh-out-loud comedy. Life may be full of contradictions, but it’s true that it contains a multitude of experiences!

Have you delved deeper into Belle’s case by researching other instances similar to it, aside from reading the book and looking up specific details? I ask because while Belle’s story appears unique, there have been comparable cases. For instance, there was an account in a Hollywood writers’ room about Elisabeth Finch. Have you explored related cases of swindlers or looked into personality disorders frequently associated with this kind of behavior?

Beyond reading the book and researching Belle’s case in particular, have you investigated any other similar instances? I ask because, while Belle’s story may seem unusual, there are some parallels. For example, there was a case involving Elisabeth Finch in a Hollywood writers’ room. Have you studied related cases of con artists or delved into the personality disorders often linked to this behavior?

Lastly:

Beyond just reading the book about Belle’s case and researching its specifics, have you looked into any other comparable situations? I ask because, although Belle’s story may seem unique, there are instances that share certain traits. For example, there was a situation involving Elisabeth Finch in a Hollywood writers’ room. Have you examined similar cases of swindlers or delved into the personality disorders commonly associated with this behavior?

It’s accurate. You might find it surprising, but after consulting psychologists and doctors, examining various cases, and careful consideration, we chose not to diagnose Belle with a personality disorder. I felt it would be misleading to label her with just one disorder, as it could overshadow the complexity of her character. It’s worth noting that many individuals suffering from personality disorders do not engage in grand deceptions.

In essence, the genuine research for this kind of program stemmed from personal life experiences. We all inevitably come across the stark reality of mortality at some point – be it by caring for a loved one who is ill or facing our own health challenges. Thus, we relied on these personal encounters or discussions with those who have gone through similar situations.

For me, another crucial aspect was recalling the experiences of being a young woman and understanding the immense pressure that comes with it – the need to be attractive, to perform well, and the constant striving for perfection in every aspect of life. This pressure significantly influences both Milla and Belle’s desires, and it is amplified by their engagement with social media platforms like Instagram. I personally choose to avoid Instagram during my research to prevent myself from delving into those topics, but we were fortunate enough to have knowledgeable Instagram consultants to guide us.

Let’s discuss the ending. I found it somewhat optimistic. In the final scene, Belle is looking at her spouse and child, implying she might be coming to terms with the fact that despite all she’s been through, she hasn’t lost what truly matters and still has a chance for a happy life. Yet, it’s worth noting that just a short while ago, during her TV interview, she couldn’t definitively state that she doesn’t have cancer, which could hint at ongoing struggles in her mental health and healing process.

Indeed, it’s intriguing. I can follow your interpretation. However, I strongly suspect that the author isn’t revealing all their intentions explicitly. To me, when she says “I really hope not,” in the context of “I hope I’m not sick,” what seems more profound is her expressing a hope that she’s not emotionally or spiritually broken, and deeply regretting any potential pain she might cause others by repeating past mistakes.

That part of the scene was quite exasperating for me. I couldn’t help but think, “Just spill it out already! Admit that you don’t have cancer!” Yet, she seemed unable to…

(Laughs) Well, obviously, the scene contains both. And that’s what the show is all about. 

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Apple Cider Vinegar is now streaming on Netflix.

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2025-02-12 23:00