Produced by See-Saw Films/Picking Scabs Production, Netflix’s Apple Cider Vinegar is based on the story of Belle Gibson, the ‘wellness influencer’ who claimed she had cured herself of brain cancer through natural remedies and was donating hundreds of thousands of dollars from the sales of her app and book to charity. Then came her stunning public admission: it was all a lie.
Apple Cider Vinegar was inspired by The Woman Who Fooled The World, the book by journalists Beau Donelly and Nick Toscano who began reporting on Gibson’s claims in 2015, and was filmed in Melbourne and surrounds, with the production team approaching Peninsula Hot Springs while scouting for locations. After discussions between the two parties over shots, timing and locations, a single day of filming was locked in.
The normally peaceful and serene venue was buzzing with excitement and action on February 12 last year. For the special day, the Spa Dreaming Centre and the Food Bowl were closed off to the public – perfectly timed after the summer school holidays. They welcomed about 100 people who consisted of the production team, with vans and trailers including talent, extras, catering team, costume, make-up, production and more descending on the Peninsula to create some magic.
With Peninsula Hot Springs staff offered the chance to be extras in the series, the atmosphere was euphoric for the workday with a twist. After filming, they shared their excitement over their experience on a film set and their chance to speak to a few friendly actors.
After a huge, long day for all, the wait began for the hot springs team to see the result. Almost a year after the day’s filming, Apple Cider Vinegar debuted on February 6, with Kaitlyn Dever (Unbelievable and Justified) as Gibson and Alycia Debnam-Carey (The 100 and Fear the Walking Dead) as Milla, alongside Aisha Dee (The Bold Type and Safe Home) and Tilda Cobham-Hervey (The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart and 52 Tuesdays). It spent three consecutive weeks in the Netflix Global Top 10 list and amassed more than 12.2 million views.
For those who recognised the Peninsula location in the trailer or followed the story of Gibson as her lies unravelled live across media outlets, this has been a must-see series that has gained momentum since its debut.
