Apple Cider Vinegar Review: Kaitlyn Dever Shines in Netflix’s Gripping True Crime Drama

Kaitlyn Dever, who has been captivating audiences since her teenage years with roles in shows like Tim Allen’s Last Man Standing, is receiving significant recognition for her recent performances. Her portrayal in Apple Cider Vinegar is anticipated to further this trend, despite the series’ narrative shortcomings. Additionally, Dever is set to make her mark as Abby, a notorious antagonist, in the upcoming season of The Last of Us and will appear in the forthcoming film Godzilla x Kong.

In Apple Cider Vinegar, adapted from Beau Donelly and Nick Toscano’s true crime novel The Woman Who Fooled the World, Dever plays Belle Gibson, a young mother who falsely claims to have overcome a brain cancer diagnosis through alternative health practices, leading to the creation of a wellness media empire. As her fame skyrockets, the façade of her story begins to crumble, prompting an investigation into her past and revealing her manipulative nature.

A Slow and Disjointed Narrative

The Nonlinear Format Struggles Early On

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The intriguing premise of Belle Gibson’s story explains why screenwriters Samantha Strauss, Anya Beyersdorf, and Angela Betzien opted for a nonlinear storytelling approach. However, this technique often proves to be frustrating, especially in the initial episodes of its six-part series. By frequently jumping through Belle’s timeline and prioritizing the unraveling of her narrative over character development, it takes some time for the writing team to find a cohesive rhythm.

While the latter episodes offer some gratifying reveals that expose Belle’s manipulative tendencies, the disorienting timeline shifts can detract from the overall impact. The structure appears to be inspired by The Social Network, oscillating between the pinnacle of her success and the impending fallout.

Stylish and Engaging Direction by Jeffrey Walker

An Immersive Dive into Belle’s World

Kaitlyn Dever as Belle in an interrogation scene

Although the writing sometimes falters, Jeffrey Walker’s direction enhances the storytelling in Apple Cider Vinegar. The Australian director, known for his work on the thriller The Clearing, successfully immerses viewers in the lives of the social media-driven characters. He achieves this by skillfully integrating various screens and digital elements into each scene, enhancing the narrative with text messages and social media posts related to Gibson and fellow influencer Milla (Alycia Debnam-Carey).

One of Walker’s most effective choices is the incorporation of social media reaction emojis during scenes depicting Belle’s online posts filled with deception. This simple yet powerful visual device amplifies the themes of narcissism and the quest for validation that underlie Belle’s character, reinforcing the emotional stakes without overshadowing Dever’s performance.

A Stellar Cast Elevates the Series

Strong Performances, Led by Dever and Debnam-Carey

Despite the series’ ups and downs, the cast’s performances in Apple Cider Vinegar remain consistently outstanding. Dever and Debnam-Carey deliver powerful portrayals, highlighting the contrasting experiences of dealing with cancer. Debnam-Carey captures the raw pain of grief, while Dever effectively depicts Belle’s manipulative charm through heartfelt emotional displays.

While the array of talent in the series is impressive, some performers do seem overshadowed by the overarching narrative. Yet, even beyond the standout roles of Dever and Debnam-Carey, the show features a strong ensemble. Aisha Dee shines as the best friend caught in Belle’s web of lies, while Ashley Zukerman delivers a nuanced performance as Clive, who becomes romantically entangled with the deceptive protagonist. Matt Nable portrays Milla’s father with heartbreaking sincerity, and Mark Coles Smith captivates as the journalist whose investigation into Belle’s life is pivotal to unraveling the truth.

Although characters like Tilda Cobham-Hervey’s Lucy initially offer compelling narratives, their arcs tend to diminish as Belle’s storyline dominates. Nonetheless, the ensemble cast, along with Dever’s and others’ contributions, ultimately allows the series to navigate its flaws effectively.

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