Vinagre de Maçã

I don't typically watch "based on a true story" Netflix series, However, I saw an interview of Kaitlyn Denver where she absolutely nailed the Australian accent (a rarity for American actors). I decided to give the show a chance, and I'm very happy I did.

Apple Cider Vinegar is really good. It's a show that perfectly captures contemporary life; the possibilities and pitfalls of the internet, healthfluencers, "alternative" medicine, and the gender wars. It explores how the internet is a perfect "place" to weaponize sociopathy, doubt, and aspiration. How well meaning people can be sucked into a world of snake oil and quack treatments it for perfectly understandable reasons, always empathizing with the people on screen.

I have to say, Kaitlyn Denver is FANTASTIC as notorious scammer Belle Gibson. Denver not only masters the Australian accent, but manages to capture a distinct "Australian Millennial" vibe. Without heavy makeup or unique costuming, she still manages to melt away into her role.

I've seen Alycia Debnam-Carey in other stuff, but aside from being a dead ringer for Hilary Duff, she's never really stood out to me as an actress. Until now, of course. Her performance in Apple Cider Vinegar is really great, and I found her character - Milla Blake - to be such a great foil to Belle. The entire cast is pretty phenomenal, but the two lead actresses really steal the show here.

I also have to commend this show for really UNDERSTANDING the internet and social media. I love how when people are depicted as being on Instagram Live or YouTube or Facebook, the content LOOKS the way it's supposed to. Even TV interviews are shot like actual TV interviews, perfect lighting and all. YouTube videos shown in the series LOOk like actual YouTube videos.

And the transitions feel so seamless and energetic; almost like how it feels flipping from app to app and responding to messages in between. It's a pretty well paced show, every episode feels fairly packed with stuff happening and while it does dip in quality a bit in the middle, it's never boring.

I will say, the show plays around with non-linear storytelling which is mostly effective (it would definitely be a lesser show if it were told entirely chronologically) but it can be a bit confusing at times.

Overall though, Apple Cider Vinegar really exceeded my expectations. It's a show with the energy and intrigue of an Inventing Anna with the quality performances and intensity of Adolescence.

All true stories have different versions depending on the teller. Apple Cider Vinegar clearly states at the start of each episode that certain characters & events have been changed or fictionalised. And all that is true in this series, was best told in this provocative manner. This account is a reminder of how some swindles are driven by a need for recognition and greed but may also be driven by deep rooted trauma and mental illness. Fantastic screenplay and editing. The characters are thorny and convincing. This poignant story is about deception, delusion, desperation, relationships and hope. It hits hard leaving you choked with a sour taste in your mouth. Bravo production team and Netflix. You done a great job with this one. Time to google the actual true story.

I have 2 more episodes to finish so this review might change but wow this series gripped me.

I wish, that other series about con was like this. Gripping and great storytelling.

You see how dangerous it is to pry on vulnerable minds... people who just tired of having to go through tests and procedures and saw no changes on their bodies.

Having put in time and money to all these treatments. Time that they could not get back. But also time that they ended up trading for those optional treatments that could have been used for actual treatments.

Cancer is a fickle thing... your body sure betrayed you. It is a disaster on one self and family and friends...

I think the whole series is a good reminder of that. Don't take time and health for granted.

Kaitlyn Dever is amazing. I grew up in Australia and still visit it time to time, her accent is Australian. I totally forgot she is an american actress. I really can't wait to see her as Abby in the Last of Us.

The screenwriting is interesting. I like the opening bits and pieces that they did. The other actor and actress are good. They all fit their characters. I really do feel sorry for Clive (plus he is very easy on the eyes). Just sad to see someone like him get taken advantage of everytime...

I'm sad that I only have 2 episodes to go. This series just tick the boxes for me. Interesting story / premise, good execution, tight editing. I love it.

Like many others have said this is a frustrating watch. The whole point of this show is what seems to be a growing trend of calling out the total fakes all around us that are representing themselves as having one of the worst diagnoses imaginable and turning it into a sinister, monetizing hoax.

The problem I have with this is even the other reviewers stating they have had cancer or are currently going through it... do I believe them???

I mean of course I do... but how do we REALLY know?!?!?

I absolutely agree this needs to be talked about because there are SO many fakes out there that are playing this evil game of monetizing a very serious medical diagnosis and using it to their benefit because they are sociopaths.

Overall I thought this was a great show and something I didn't want to watch at first but ended up watching and found it very well done. The lead actress is believable as Australian, wow. The rest of the cast knew their assignment. The pace was great and I wasn't bored at all but felt a lot of compassion.

This is a hard watch. Watching the mastectomy specifically had me in tears.

I not only have MS, but I am a breast cancer survivor.

"Natural" and "holistic" treatments can be a great companion to medical treatment, but it should never replace it.

I have dealt with this in both the cancer and MS communities. I have watched needless suffering and degrading of health and function as a result of these dangerous narratives.

And that's what makes this a good, yet infuriating and frustrating watch.

These people exist.

The fraud itself is frustrating enough, but those who have these diseases and encourage the same can be just as dangerous.

Good story telling, cringe main character well played.

Worth the time.