The new Netflix series, inspired by Belle Gibson's notorious deception, delves into the remarkable yet unsettling story of a social media influencer who falsely claimed to have terminal brain cancer. The series, a creative adaptation of the book "The Woman Who Fooled The World" by journalists Beau Donelly and Nick Toscano, portrays Gibson's rise and fall in the wellness industry. Released amid growing interest in the power and pitfalls of social media influencers, the show navigates the thin line between truth and fiction in Gibson's fabricated narrative.
Belle Gibson gained millions of followers on Instagram by sharing her journey of supposedly overcoming terminal brain cancer through a healthy diet. Her inspirational story propelled her into the spotlight, leading to the launch of her successful recipe app, The Whole Pantry, which was supported by tech giant Apple. Additionally, she published a cookbook with Penguin, further cementing her status as a wellness guru. However, Gibson's claims began to unravel when investigations revealed that she had only donated $7,000 of the $300,000 she claimed would go to various charities.
In 2017, Belle Gibson faced legal repercussions for her misleading conduct and was fined $410,000. Despite the growing penalties and interest, which have now exceeded $500,000, the fine remains unpaid. The series dramatizes elements of Gibson's life, including controversial scenes such as locking her son in his room overnight while he was sick and using cocaine—details not confirmed by the book or public records. These creative liberties are part of an effort to explore the allure and false promises of "wellness" that captivated many of Gibson's followers.
The show's creator, Samantha Strauss, emphasizes the dual nature of Gibson's character—both humanizing and villainizing her. Strauss explains the complexity involved in portraying someone who has lied extensively, highlighting the fictional aspects of the series.
“It’s an interesting thing when you’re dealing with someone who has lied and that you’re creating a work that is, in some respects, fiction as well.” – Samantha Strauss
Strauss also acknowledges the challenge of developing such a project, noting the importance of having something meaningful to convey through the storytelling process.
“I don’t want to do work that puts harm into the world … If you’re going to spend seven years on a project, you have to get up every day and throw yourself at the wall. It’s hard and it’s long, and it may not happen.” – Samantha Strauss
“The only way to do that is, for me, is to feel like I’m doing something important or have something special to say. And it always felt like that.” – Samantha Strauss
Set against the backdrop of the burgeoning world of social media influencers, the series reflects on how individuals like Gibson can manipulate public perception through curated narratives. The disclaimer at the start of each episode clarifies that it is a "true-ish" version of events, acknowledging both its factual basis and fictional embellishments.
Kaitlyn Dever stars as Belle Gibson in the series, capturing the nuances of her complex character. One striking line from her performance underscores the paradoxical nature of Gibson's story:
“This is a true story based on a lie,” – Kaitlyn Dever (as Belle Gibson)
Dever also highlights that certain names have been changed in the series to protect those uninvolved in Gibson's deception while confirming that Gibson herself has not profited from the portrayal.
“Some names have been changed to protect the innocent. Belle Gibson has not been paid for the recreation of her story.” – Kaitlyn Dever (as Belle Gibson)
The series also touches on Gibson's difficult childhood, drawing inspiration from claims in the book about leaving home at age 12 and living with an older male colleague. These elements are woven into the storyline to provide context for her actions and decisions.
As viewers immerse themselves in this gripping series, they witness firsthand how social media can amplify both truth and deception. The narrative serves as a cautionary tale about the power dynamics within influencer culture and the potential consequences of unchecked claims.