The new Netflix series, Apple Cider Vinegar, tells the true story of Belle Gibson (portrayed by Kaitlyn Dever), who deceived the world into believing she was battling brain cancer. Using her significant online following, Belle promoted holistic remedies over traditional treatments like chemotherapy.
She launched The Whole Pantry, initially a mobile app offering wholefood recipes and advice for those fighting terminal illnesses. However, in the series, she encounters a rival social media influencer – Milla Blake (played by Alycia Debnam-Carey).
Unlike Belle, Milla genuinely has cancer but is terrified at the thought of having her entire arm amputated. Instead, she explores natural and holistic ‘cures’ for her cancer.
She visits the Hirsch Institute, a costly retreat that claims to guide people with terminal illnesses towards recovery using methods such as coffee enemas. As platforms like Instagram were gaining popularity, she shared her inspiring story and amassed a large following.
This led her to host wellness talks and create a line of healthy juices, all in the name of promoting natural remedies over other therapies. However, she was deceiving both herself and others, as her cancer was actually spreading, reports Surrey Live.
While she was preoccupied with her holistic remedies, she was in denial about the harsh reality that she was essentially causing her own demise.
It was only when her condition deteriorated to the point where she could no longer conceal it, that she confessed she had been mistaken about everything. Following the heartbreaking loss of her mother to bowel cancer, Milla became increasingly fearful of death and sought comfort from her father.
Unfortunately, by the time she sought help, it was too late for her to qualify for any medical trials and she ultimately succumbed to the disease.
Is Milla Blake a real person?
While Belle Gibson’s part in the series is based on true events, some characters and plotlines are fictional.
Milla Blake’s story is thought to be inspired by Jessica Ainscough, who tragically passed away at 30 after opting for alternative cancer treatments following a diagnosis of a rare cancer known as epithelioid sarcoma in April 2008. Milla is portrayed by Alycia Debnam-Carey, a 31 year old Australian actress famed for her role as Lexa in The 100.
She has also starred as Alicia Clark in Fear the Walking Dead and Alice Hart in The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart. Her mother, Leone Carey, is a children’s television writer.
Apple Cider Vinegar is on Netflix