The premiere episode of "Apple Cider Vinegar" kicks off with an introductory glimpse into the life of Belle Gibson, a woman diagnosed with brain cancer with a prognosis of merely six weeks to live. Remarkably, four years have elapsed, and Belle has defied the odds, emerging as a thriving entrepreneur and a prominent wellness influencer. Her product line, embracing the likes of snake oil and apple cider vinegar, is rooted in her advocacy for a holistic cure that she claims vanquished her illness.
However, her tale takes a dramatic turn as exposés surface, alleging that her cancer diagnosis was a fabrication from the outset. The scene then shifts to the present day, 2015, in Santa Monica, where Belle, breaking the fourth wall, reveals that while the show is indeed based on true events, she has yet to be remunerated for her story's adaptation. Desperate to stave off cancellation, she visits a crisis management agency, where her snarky and glib demeanor towards Hek, an employee, paints a picture of a woman delusional, narcissistic, and burdened with a savior complex.
Flashback to 2013, when Belle unveiled her groundbreaking app, "The Whole Pantry." Simultaneously, Lucy's life takes a romantic turn as she falls in love with and marries Justin. Their honeymoon bliss is abruptly interrupted by Lucy's breast cancer diagnosis. Despite their best efforts to stay positive, the struggle is all too real. By this time, Belle has become a regular fixture at Lucy's cafe, her fame preceding her. Lucy, an avid fan, finds solace in Belle's compassion, leading to an invitation to Belle's book launch.
Cut to 2014, Melbourne – the stage is set for Belle's book launch, where she preaches authenticity and honesty, giving a special shoutout to Milla. However, this gesture is met with scorn by Chanelle, their mutual friend and Belle's manager, who promptly calls Milla, who is incensed. Together, they hatch a plot to bring Belle's house of cards tumbling down.
Currently, Belle confronts Hek, accusing Milla of harboring jealousy towards her, which fuels Milla's desire to undermine her. Milla, too, authored a book, yet Belle's effort outshone hers. Back in 2009, Milla, a vibrant 22-year-old residing in Sydney with a promising career, faced a harrowing turn when tumors invaded her arm, necessitating amputation as the sole solution. Devastated, she delved into her own research and, supported by her parents, pressured doctors to permit her participation in an experimental treatment.
Now, Hek notes that Milla possesses concrete evidence of her cancer battle, while Belle lacks such documentation. Their argument intensifies as Belle insists on retrieving her medical records to prove her innocence. All she seeks from Hek is the restoration of her tarnished reputation. Reluctantly, he agrees to assist but suggests leveraging her cancer-stricken mother or mental health struggles to garner sympathy—proposals Belle firmly rejects, deeming them sacred boundaries not to be crossed.
Shifting to 2010, Melbourne witnesses a pregnant Belle toiling at a medical call center, her bubbly demeanor contrasting sharply with her colleagues' indifference. Struggling financially, she resorts to scamming shops. As she prepares for a baby shower the next day, entirely on her own, her alcoholic mother emotionally manipulates her into abandoning the celebration. To Belle's dismay, even her friends abandon her, leaving her heartbroken and headache-ridden. Desperation leads her to the hospital, where she demands an MRI, fearing the worst—cancer.
Meanwhile, Milla finds solace at a retreat for cancer survivors, seemingly on the mend. There, she encounters Arlo, a classmate attending a meditation workshop. His upbeat and optimistic demeanor initially irritates her. She unleashes a tirade against the retreat's perceived negative vibes before collapsing in tears, confessing her failure—she's not in remission; her cancer has worsened. Arlo soothes her with a song, and though initially uncomfortable, she eventually succumbs to her emotions, tears streaming down her face. Renewed hope ignites within her as she searches for a cure, with Arlo standing by her side, bringing her joy.
In 2013, as Lucy's condition deteriorated, Belle offered her a glimmer of false hope by showcasing a Mexican hospital, sparking controversy. Justin and her physician, wary of the risks, only to encounter Lucy's fierce backlash.
Back in 2010, Belle, frustrated, steered her way home from the hospital. On a bustling pregnancy forum, she vented her frustrations about the medical melodramas and the aborted baby showers. A cascade of concerned comments flowed in, and, caught in the current, she disclosed her brain cancer diagnosis. An avalanche of good wishes poured in, and amidst them, someone recommended Milla's blog, noting their similarities. As Belle delved into the blog, a smile gradually crept across her face.
In 2014, Chanelle introduced herself as a marketing maven, a former manager of Belle's, Milla's lifelong friend, and the protagonist of the tale. An overachiever at heart, she aspired to be a philanthropist. She attempted to pitch an exposé on Belle to Sean, an investigative reporter, but he was engrossed elsewhere. However, his colleague happened to be Justin, who harbored a dim view of Belle, seeing her as a parasite and a snake. Intrigued by Chanelle's pitch, Justin expressed his willingness to listen.
Flashing back to 2010, Belle hesitated before sending Milla a Facebook friend request. Her MRI report, however, brought relief as it declared her healthy. At the conclusion of Apple Cider Vinegar Episode 1, she confessed to Hek that she had struggled mightily to win people's affection. Yet, in the final analysis, she often found herself unappreciated.
