Where was Apple Cider Vinegar filmed?
Netflix commissioned the highly anticipated series last year from the acclaimed Australian production company See-Saw Films, known for its track record in producing riveting narratives. The creative vision behind the series comes from the talented Samantha Strauss, celebrated for her previous work on Nine Perfect Strangers and Dance Academy. This poignant drama is brought to life under the direction of the skilled Jeffrey Walker. Although it draws inspiration from Belle Gibson’s controversial story, the narrative primarily focuses on two women – Belle, portrayed by the talented Kaitlyn Dever, and the fictional character Milla, played by Alycia Debnam-Carey. Both women are depicted as wellness advocates navigating the intricate and often perilous world of social media influence. The vivid storytelling was filmed on location in the vibrant city of Melbourne, bringing a unique Australian backdrop to the unfolding drama.
Ashley Zukerman as Clive and Kaitlyn Dever as Belle in Apple Cider Vinegar. Credit: Netflix
Who is in the cast?
Kaitlyn Dever, known for her compelling performances in Dopesick and Unbelievable, takes on the role of Belle Gibson, infusing the character with depth and empathy. Meanwhile, Alycia Debnam-Carey, whose previous roles include standout performances in The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart and Fear the Walking Dead, captivates audiences as Milla Blake. The production boasts a rich ensemble of Australian talent, featuring Aisha Dee from The Bold Type, Tilda Cobham-Hervey of I Am Woman fame, and Mark Coles Smith from Mystery Road: Origin. Other notable cast members include Matt Nable from Last King of the Cross, Ashley Zukerman of Succession, Chai Hansen starring in The Newsreader, as well as Susie Porter and Essie Davis, both recognized for their roles in Wentworth and Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries, respectively. Catherine McClements, also from Wentworth, adds further star power to this remarkable cast.
Where does the title come from?
If you were scratching your head about that one, you were not alone. Samantha Strauss revealed to Netflix’s in-house publication Tudum that the title is crafted to encapsulate the essence of a natural substance widely believed to possess beneficial properties for health and wellness. Apple cider vinegar has long been thought to provide various health benefits – despite its historical use in traditional medicine, skeptics note that there is no credible evidence to reliably support these health claims. “I wanted something that would capture this idea of hope in a bottle, and that could be a bigger umbrella than something that would relate only to Belle,” Strauss elaborated, indicating the title’s broader thematic relevance.
So, how did it end for Belle?
In 2016, Belle Gibson faced significant legal troubles when Consumer Affairs Victoria initiated legal action against her for allegedly violating Australian consumer law regarding misleading marketing practices. The following year, Justice Debra Mortimer of the Federal Court made a significant ruling, emphasizing that Belle “had no reasonable basis to believe she had cancer,” leading to a hefty fine of $410,000 for her misleading claims regarding charitable donations. In a bid to resolve the unpaid fines, police conducted raids on Belle’s residence in Melbourne during 2020 and 2021, seizing various items in the process.
When is the release date for the series?
When the project was officially announced, its producers, Liz Watts and Louise Gough, praised Strauss for creating “a series that is searing in its comment but entertaining at its very core. It’s complex, it’s got bounce, and it’s got bite, and we love it.” Although an official air date is yet to be confirmed, Netflix has revealed that the much-anticipated series is set to premiere in 2025.
Watch the Apple Cider Vinegar trailer
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Where was *Apple Cider Vinegar* filmed and how did the location influence the show’s atmosphere?
**Interview with Samantha Strauss: Creator of Netflix’s *Apple Cider Vinegar***
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Samantha! Your new series, *Apple Cider Vinegar*, has generated quite a buzz. Can you tell us where the show was filmed?
**Samantha Strauss:** Absolutely! We filmed the entire series on location in Melbourne, Australia. It was an incredible experience to bring the story to life in such a vibrant city, which added a unique atmosphere to the drama. The backdrop of Melbourne really complements the narrative and the themes we explore in the series.
**Interviewer:** That sounds wonderful! Speaking of themes, can you share more about the inspiration behind the series?
**Samantha Strauss:** Yes, *Apple Cider Vinegar* is inspired by the real-life story of Belle Gibson, a wellness advocate who became infamous for her controversial claims regarding health and illness. However, while Belle’s story is central, our series mainly focuses on two characters: Belle, played by Kaitlyn Dever, and a fictional character named Milla, portrayed by Alycia Debnam-Carey. The show delves into their lives as they navigate the complex and often dangerous world of social media influence within the wellness industry.
**Interviewer:** It must have been a challenge to portray such a nuanced subject. How did you approach the character development?
**Samantha Strauss:** We wanted to ensure that both characters were portrayed with depth and empathy. Kaitlyn and Alycia brought so much to their roles, capturing the internal struggles and motivations of women in this space. It’s a delicate balance, showcasing the allure and pitfalls of wellness culture while remaining authentic to their experiences.
**Interviewer:** And what can you tell us about the casting process? It looks like you’ve assembled quite the talented ensemble.
**Samantha Strauss:** We were fortunate to have an incredible cast! Alongside Kaitlyn and Alycia, we have a fantastic group of Australian actors, including Aisha Dee, Tilda Cobham-Hervey, and Ashley Zukerman, among others. Each cast member brought their own unique energy to the project, which helped shape the overall dynamic of the series.
**Interviewer:** the title *Apple Cider Vinegar* is quite intriguing. What’s the significance behind it?
**Samantha Strauss:** The title symbolizes the natural health and wellness ethos that pervades the series. Apple cider vinegar is often seen as a remedy, reflecting our characters’ beliefs in alternative health practices. However, it also serves as a metaphor for the complexities and contradictions inherent in the wellness movement. We wanted the title to evoke curiosity, and to capture that tension between natural healing and the potential for misinformation.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for sharing your insights, Samantha! We’re excited to see how this story unfolds.
**Samantha Strauss:** Thank you for having me! I can’t wait for everyone to experience *Apple Cider Vinegar* on Netflix!
