Kaitlyn Dever, who stars as Belle Gibson in Netflix’s Apple Cider Vinegar, revealed that before joining the project, she knew very little about Gibson’s infamous wellness scam. However, her personal connection to the wellness world, due to her mother’s Stage 4 breast cancer diagnosis, gave her an unexpected resonance with the role.
Dever shared that she had become deeply interested in alternative wellness practices as she sought other options beyond conventional treatments for her mother, who passed away last year. She noted that when the story of Belle Gibson came into her life, it felt like an almost surreal coincidence, as she had already been following influencers like Gibson and Milla (played by Alycia Debnam-Carey) on social media.
While researching her role, Dever was shocked to learn the extent of Gibson’s deception. She was particularly taken aback by the complexities of Gibson’s past, especially her troubled childhood. As Dever dug deeper into Gibson’s story, she discovered that behind the scam was a woman grappling with personal insecurities. Despite the unforgivable nature of her actions, Dever explained that it was clear Gibson was someone who was desperately seeking community, family, and love—emotional voids that may have contributed to her deceptive behavior.
Dever’s performance in Apple Cider Vinegar dives into these complexities, showcasing how even the most egregious actions can be traced back to deep emotional struggles. The show is now streaming on Netflix.