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MOL.
CINEMENTE
When The Mind Is The Protagonist
APPLE CIDER VINEGAR
When Lies Are The Real Illness
The Apple Cider Vinegar series, released on Netflix on February 6, 2025, follows the story of a wellness guru who pretends to be seriously ill.
Inspired by true events, the production reveals the rise and fall of Belle Gibson, an Australian entrepreneur who falsely claimed to have a malignant brain tumor.
Belle gained notoriety by presenting herself on Instagram as a "revolutionary with brain cancer and an obsession with healthy food." However, her story fell apart when it was revealed that she never had the disease.
In 2017, Gibson was convicted of misleading conduct and ordered to pay a fine of approximately 400 thousand Australian dollars. Her cookbook, The Whole Pantry, was withdrawn from circulation.
To build the character of Belle, played by Kaitlyn Dever, showrunner Samantha Strauss based her work on the book The Woman Who Fooled The World, by journalists Beau Donelly and Nick Toscano.
The series explores how Gibson built an empire by claiming to have treated her own cancer with only healthy eating and alternative therapies. The series follows the impact of these lies and how they deceived thousands of followers. Gibson had no involvement in the production and will not profit from it.
Strauss sees the series as a warning about the dangers of the wellness industry, especially at a time of growing distrust in traditional medicine and the proliferation of false cures for serious diseases.
"Community, yoga and meditation have their place, but listening to scientists and doctors will never hurt us," says the showrunner. Gibson's rise was rapid.
In 2013, she created the Healing Belle profile on Instagram, posting content about how she was supposedly treating her cancer without chemotherapy or radiation.
Her healthy lifestyle and natural recipes gained thousands of followers. That same year, she launched a recipe app called The Whole Pantry, which quickly became one of the most downloaded apps on the App Store, earning her half a million dollars in less than two years.
In addition to selling her brand, Belle offered health advice to her followers, suggesting diets and alternative treatments as supposed solutions to serious illnesses.
The title of the series, Apple Cider Vinegar, is a reference to one of the cure-alls promoted by wellness gurus, although it was not necessarily the product most associated with Gibson.
In the series, the character Milla (Alycia Debnam-Carey) serves as inspiration for Belle. Milla is a cancer patient who documents her journey on social media, becoming a reference in the use of food as a form of healing.
The character is based on Jess Ainscough, a former magazine editor who went viral after sharing her struggle with cancer without resorting to traditional treatments.
Both Ainscough and her mother rejected chemotherapy and pursued alternative therapies, but both died, Jess in 2015 at the age of 29.
Although Gibson and Ainscough were in the same circles, they were never close friends. In the series, Belle tries to get closer to Milla, but is ignored. The show also dramatizes Milla's attempt to expose Belle as a fraud, which did not happen in real life.
The series also portrays an iconic moment: Gibson attended Ainscough's funeral, crying dramatically and seeking attention. This behavior is consistent with her history, as from a young age she told exaggerated stories about health problems, including heart surgeries and near-death experiences, always seeking sympathy and recognition.
Strauss chose not to diagnose Gibson with any specific mental condition, as this has never been officially confirmed. However, experts suggest that her behavior may be associated with disorders such as Munchausen syndrome and factitious disorder.
Munchausen syndrome is a psychiatric condition in which a person fakes or causes illness in themselves to gain attention, emotional support or even financial gain. In some cases, like Gibson's, the lying can go beyond seeking sympathy and turn into a money-making scheme.
Factitious disorder, on the other hand, includes a broader spectrum of deceptive health behaviors that may involve self-harm or the falsification of medical tests.
In addition, some people with traits such as narcissistic personality disorder or histrionic personality disorder may resort to elaborate lies to maintain an image of grandiosity or receive validation from others.
In Belle’s case, the constant need for admiration and the construction of a heroic narrative around her fake illness point to patterns of manipulation typical of these conditions.
Belle Gibson’s story serves as a reminder to be more skeptical of extraordinary health claims, especially those promoted by influencers without medical training.
The Apple Cider Vinegar series, released on Netflix on February 6, 2025, follows the story of a wellness guru who pretends to be seriously ill.
Inspired by true events, the production reveals the rise and fall of Belle Gibson, an Australian entrepreneur who falsely claimed to have a malignant brain tumor.
Belle gained notoriety by presenting herself on Instagram as a "revolutionary with brain cancer and an obsession with healthy food." However, her story fell apart when it was revealed that she never had the disease.
In 2017, Gibson was convicted of misleading conduct and ordered to pay a fine of approximately 400 thousand Australian dollars. Her cookbook, The Whole Pantry, was withdrawn from circulation.
To build the character of Belle, played by Kaitlyn Dever, showrunner Samantha Strauss based her work on the book The Woman Who Fooled The World, by journalists Beau Donelly and Nick Toscano.
The series explores how Gibson built an empire by claiming to have treated her own cancer with only healthy eating and alternative therapies. The series follows the impact of these lies and how they deceived thousands of followers. Gibson had no involvement in the production and will not profit from it.
Strauss sees the series as a warning about the dangers of the wellness industry, especially at a time of growing distrust in traditional medicine and the proliferation of false cures for serious diseases.
"Community, yoga and meditation have their place, but listening to scientists and doctors will never hurt us," says the showrunner. Gibson's rise was rapid.
In 2013, she created the Healing Belle profile on Instagram, posting content about how she was supposedly treating her cancer without chemotherapy or radiation.
Her healthy lifestyle and natural recipes gained thousands of followers. That same year, she launched a recipe app called The Whole Pantry, which quickly became one of the most downloaded apps on the App Store, earning her half a million dollars in less than two years.
In addition to selling her brand, Belle offered health advice to her followers, suggesting diets and alternative treatments as supposed solutions to serious illnesses.
The title of the series, Apple Cider Vinegar, is a reference to one of the cure-alls promoted by wellness gurus, although it was not necessarily the product most associated with Gibson.
In the series, the character Milla (Alycia Debnam-Carey) serves as inspiration for Belle. Milla is a cancer patient who documents her journey on social media, becoming a reference in the use of food as a form of healing.
The character is based on Jess Ainscough, a former magazine editor who went viral after sharing her struggle with cancer without resorting to traditional treatments.
Both Ainscough and her mother rejected chemotherapy and pursued alternative therapies, but both died, Jess in 2015 at the age of 29.
Although Gibson and Ainscough were in the same circles, they were never close friends. In the series, Belle tries to get closer to Milla, but is ignored. The show also dramatizes Milla's attempt to expose Belle as a fraud, which did not happen in real life.
The series also portrays an iconic moment: Gibson attended Ainscough's funeral, crying dramatically and seeking attention. This behavior is consistent with her history, as from a young age she told exaggerated stories about health problems, including heart surgeries and near-death experiences, always seeking sympathy and recognition.
Strauss chose not to diagnose Gibson with any specific mental condition, as this has never been officially confirmed. However, experts suggest that her behavior may be associated with disorders such as Munchausen syndrome and factitious disorder.
Munchausen syndrome is a psychiatric condition in which a person fakes or causes illness in themselves to gain attention, emotional support or even financial gain. In some cases, like Gibson's, the lying can go beyond seeking sympathy and turn into a money-making scheme.
Factitious disorder, on the other hand, includes a broader spectrum of deceptive health behaviors that may involve self-harm or the falsification of medical tests.
In addition, some people with traits such as narcissistic personality disorder or histrionic personality disorder may resort to elaborate lies to maintain an image of grandiosity or receive validation from others.
In Belle’s case, the constant need for admiration and the construction of a heroic narrative around her fake illness point to patterns of manipulation typical of these conditions.
Belle Gibson’s story serves as a reminder to be more skeptical of extraordinary health claims, especially those promoted by influencers without medical training.
BABY REINDEER
How a Stalker's Brain Works
Baby Reindeer (2024) is a British drama and thriller miniseries created by and starring Richard Gadd, based on his own personal experience.
Released on Netflix on April 11, 2024, the series quickly won over audiences and critics, bringing an intense approach to obsession, trauma and mental health. Directed by Weronika Tofilska and Josephine Bornebusch, it features a strong cast, including Jessica Gunning, Nava Mau and Tom Goodman-Hill.
The plot follows Donny Dunn, an aspiring comedian who works as a bartender in a pub in London. His life changes drastically when he shows a small gesture of kindness to a customer, Martha, by offering her a cup of tea.
This seemingly harmless act triggers a dangerous fixation. Martha develops an obsession with Donny and begins to stalk him incessantly, both in person and online. The harassment intensifies, leading Donny to report the stalker to the police.
Martha is arrested and serves nine months in prison, but the impact of her behavior has already left deep scars on the protagonist's life.
Donny's past, however, is as disturbing as his present. For years, he was the victim of sexual abuse by an influential TV writer, Darrien O'Connor, who manipulated him with drugs and power.
The trauma of this abuse influences his decisions and his inability to establish clear boundaries, making him vulnerable to toxic relationships. When Donny and Darrien meet again, the dynamic between them continues to be fraught with manipulation and emotional fragility.
The series realistically explores the behavior of stalkers and its psychological implications. Stalking is a complex phenomenon that combines intense emotions and distorted perceptions of reality.
It involves persecution, persistent messages and even threats, causing the victim to live in constant fear. In the real-life case that inspired the series, Richard Gadd received more than 41,000 emails, hundreds of hours of voice messages, and countless attempts to contact him, turning his life into a nightmare.
Studies show that 35% of stalkers end up resorting to violence, and about a third of victims suffer physical aggression from their stalkers.
Martha, the stalker in the story, presents characteristics compatible with two psychological conditions: erotomania and borderline personality disorder (BPD). Erotomania is a delusional disorder in which the person believes, without evidence, that someone, usually of higher status, is in love with them.
Even when confronted with reality, this belief persists. In Martha's case, even after Donny makes it clear that he does not feel the same way about her, her obsession continues.
This disorder is more common in women and is often associated with social isolation and a lack of healthy interpersonal connections.
Borderline personality disorder, on the other hand, is characterized by emotional instability, intense fear of abandonment, and difficulty regulating impulses.
Martha oscillates between idealizing Donny and attacking him, demonstrating the classic extremist, "all or nothing" thinking pattern that is characteristic of BPD. Her impulsive behavior and her inability to control her emotional reactions reinforce this diagnosis.
Unlike psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia, she maintains a sense of reality, even if her beliefs are distorted.
Donny, the protagonist, carries the scars of a traumatic past. The sexual abuse he suffered profoundly influenced his self-esteem, confidence, and sexual identity. His self-sabotaging behavior and his difficulty recognizing dangerous relationships may be symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
In addition, his relationship with Martha may be an example of traumatic bonding, in which the victim, despite the abuse, develops an emotional dependence on the aggressor.
At times in the series, Donny appears to have fun with Martha or show sympathy for her, a behavior typical of someone who develops Stockholm syndrome, where the victim creates bonds with their oppressor as a survival mechanism.
For those who are facing real-life stalking, experts recommend a few key strategies. The first and most important is to completely ignore the stalker whenever possible.
It is also crucial to gather evidence, such as messages, audios, and videos, to have a documented record of the harassment. If the stalking escalates, the victim should formally notify the aggressor that his or her behavior is unacceptable and that legal action, such as restraining orders, will be taken.
If the stalker continues to persist, the “gray rock” technique can be effective, which involves minimizing interaction as much as possible, being as indifferent and uninteresting as possible, making yourself a “dull target.”
Baby Reindeer is not just a story about obsession and trauma, but an intense portrait of the complexities of the human mind and the emotional consequences of abusive relationships.
With a raw and realistic approach, the series raises important discussions about mental health, psychological violence and the profound impacts these experiences leave on victims.
Baby Reindeer (2024) is a British drama and thriller miniseries created by and starring Richard Gadd, based on his own personal experience.
Released on Netflix on April 11, 2024, the series quickly won over audiences and critics, bringing an intense approach to obsession, trauma and mental health. Directed by Weronika Tofilska and Josephine Bornebusch, it features a strong cast, including Jessica Gunning, Nava Mau and Tom Goodman-Hill.
The plot follows Donny Dunn, an aspiring comedian who works as a bartender in a pub in London. His life changes drastically when he shows a small gesture of kindness to a customer, Martha, by offering her a cup of tea.
This seemingly harmless act triggers a dangerous fixation. Martha develops an obsession with Donny and begins to stalk him incessantly, both in person and online. The harassment intensifies, leading Donny to report the stalker to the police.
Martha is arrested and serves nine months in prison, but the impact of her behavior has already left deep scars on the protagonist's life.
Donny's past, however, is as disturbing as his present. For years, he was the victim of sexual abuse by an influential TV writer, Darrien O'Connor, who manipulated him with drugs and power.
The trauma of this abuse influences his decisions and his inability to establish clear boundaries, making him vulnerable to toxic relationships. When Donny and Darrien meet again, the dynamic between them continues to be fraught with manipulation and emotional fragility.
The series realistically explores the behavior of stalkers and its psychological implications. Stalking is a complex phenomenon that combines intense emotions and distorted perceptions of reality.
It involves persecution, persistent messages and even threats, causing the victim to live in constant fear. In the real-life case that inspired the series, Richard Gadd received more than 41,000 emails, hundreds of hours of voice messages, and countless attempts to contact him, turning his life into a nightmare.
Studies show that 35% of stalkers end up resorting to violence, and about a third of victims suffer physical aggression from their stalkers.
Martha, the stalker in the story, presents characteristics compatible with two psychological conditions: erotomania and borderline personality disorder (BPD). Erotomania is a delusional disorder in which the person believes, without evidence, that someone, usually of higher status, is in love with them.
Even when confronted with reality, this belief persists. In Martha's case, even after Donny makes it clear that he does not feel the same way about her, her obsession continues.
This disorder is more common in women and is often associated with social isolation and a lack of healthy interpersonal connections.
Borderline personality disorder, on the other hand, is characterized by emotional instability, intense fear of abandonment, and difficulty regulating impulses.
Martha oscillates between idealizing Donny and attacking him, demonstrating the classic extremist, "all or nothing" thinking pattern that is characteristic of BPD. Her impulsive behavior and her inability to control her emotional reactions reinforce this diagnosis.
Unlike psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia, she maintains a sense of reality, even if her beliefs are distorted.
Donny, the protagonist, carries the scars of a traumatic past. The sexual abuse he suffered profoundly influenced his self-esteem, confidence, and sexual identity. His self-sabotaging behavior and his difficulty recognizing dangerous relationships may be symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
In addition, his relationship with Martha may be an example of traumatic bonding, in which the victim, despite the abuse, develops an emotional dependence on the aggressor.
At times in the series, Donny appears to have fun with Martha or show sympathy for her, a behavior typical of someone who develops Stockholm syndrome, where the victim creates bonds with their oppressor as a survival mechanism.
For those who are facing real-life stalking, experts recommend a few key strategies. The first and most important is to completely ignore the stalker whenever possible.
It is also crucial to gather evidence, such as messages, audios, and videos, to have a documented record of the harassment. If the stalking escalates, the victim should formally notify the aggressor that his or her behavior is unacceptable and that legal action, such as restraining orders, will be taken.
If the stalker continues to persist, the “gray rock” technique can be effective, which involves minimizing interaction as much as possible, being as indifferent and uninteresting as possible, making yourself a “dull target.”
Baby Reindeer is not just a story about obsession and trauma, but an intense portrait of the complexities of the human mind and the emotional consequences of abusive relationships.
With a raw and realistic approach, the series raises important discussions about mental health, psychological violence and the profound impacts these experiences leave on victims.
GIRL, INTERRUPTED
Susanna Kaysen And Borderline Personality Disorder
Girl, Interrupted is a powerful film that explores the challenges of mental health through the story of Susanna Kaysen, played by Winona Ryder.
Set in the 1960s, the film follows Susanna after a suicide attempt leads her to be admitted to a psychiatric institution, where she is diagnosed with borderline personality disorder.
During her stay, she becomes close to Lisa Rowe, played by Angelina Jolie, a charismatic but self-destructive patient who shows no interest in pursuing treatment. As the plot unfolds, Susanna must decide between fighting for her recovery or giving in to the same spiral of impulsiveness and emotional instability that affects Lisa.
The film offers a profound reflection on the way society views mental disorders. The scene in which a taxi driver comments that Susanna “doesn’t look crazy” illustrates one of the main challenges of mental health treatment: the misconception that if someone doesn’t show obvious signs of distress, their condition isn’t real.
Susanna feels that there is something wrong with her, but until her suicide attempt, her pain is not taken seriously. Her diagnosis and recovery offer hope to those who face the same struggle, often without the support of family or friends.
Based on Susanna Kaysen’s autobiography, Girl, Interrupted presents a raw portrayal of the experience of being hospitalized and treated for a mental illness.
The film stands out not only for its cast, which includes Elisabeth Moss, Whoopi Goldberg and Angelina Jolie, who won an Oscar for her performance, but also for its realistic approach to psychiatric hospitalization.
Released in 2000, it helped raise awareness of borderline personality disorder, a condition that is often misunderstood and surrounded by stigma.
Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a mental health condition characterized by emotional instability, impulsivity, intense fear of abandonment, and difficulty maintaining stable relationships.
People with BPD may experience periods of extreme euphoria and deep depression, as well as self-destructive behaviors, such as self-harm or suicide attempts.
The condition affects about 1 to 2 percent of the population, and is more common in women. Treatment typically involves behavioral therapy, such as dialectical therapy, and in some cases, medication to help manage symptoms such as anxiety and depression. With the right support, many people with BPD are able to lead balanced and functional lives.
Girl, Interrupted is a powerful film that explores the challenges of mental health through the story of Susanna Kaysen, played by Winona Ryder.
Set in the 1960s, the film follows Susanna after a suicide attempt leads her to be admitted to a psychiatric institution, where she is diagnosed with borderline personality disorder.
During her stay, she becomes close to Lisa Rowe, played by Angelina Jolie, a charismatic but self-destructive patient who shows no interest in pursuing treatment. As the plot unfolds, Susanna must decide between fighting for her recovery or giving in to the same spiral of impulsiveness and emotional instability that affects Lisa.
The film offers a profound reflection on the way society views mental disorders. The scene in which a taxi driver comments that Susanna “doesn’t look crazy” illustrates one of the main challenges of mental health treatment: the misconception that if someone doesn’t show obvious signs of distress, their condition isn’t real.
Susanna feels that there is something wrong with her, but until her suicide attempt, her pain is not taken seriously. Her diagnosis and recovery offer hope to those who face the same struggle, often without the support of family or friends.
Based on Susanna Kaysen’s autobiography, Girl, Interrupted presents a raw portrayal of the experience of being hospitalized and treated for a mental illness.
The film stands out not only for its cast, which includes Elisabeth Moss, Whoopi Goldberg and Angelina Jolie, who won an Oscar for her performance, but also for its realistic approach to psychiatric hospitalization.
Released in 2000, it helped raise awareness of borderline personality disorder, a condition that is often misunderstood and surrounded by stigma.
Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a mental health condition characterized by emotional instability, impulsivity, intense fear of abandonment, and difficulty maintaining stable relationships.
People with BPD may experience periods of extreme euphoria and deep depression, as well as self-destructive behaviors, such as self-harm or suicide attempts.
The condition affects about 1 to 2 percent of the population, and is more common in women. Treatment typically involves behavioral therapy, such as dialectical therapy, and in some cases, medication to help manage symptoms such as anxiety and depression. With the right support, many people with BPD are able to lead balanced and functional lives.
THE ACT
Dee Dee And Munchausen Syndrome By Proxy
The Act is a drama series based on a true story that premiered in 2019 on Hulu. The plot follows Gypsy Rose Blanchard (played by Joey King), a young woman who spent her entire life believing she was seriously ill, while her mother, Dee Dee Blanchard (Patricia Arquette), treated her like a fragile and dependent child.
However, as Gypsy grows up and begins to question her reality, she discovers that she was never ill at all, it was all just a hoax created by her mother.
The abusive relationship between the two reaches a boiling point when Gypsy, desperate for freedom, convinces her online boyfriend to murder Dee Dee.
Since childhood, Dee Dee has claimed that Gypsy suffered from numerous illnesses, including leukemia, muscular dystrophy, epilepsy, and even hearing and vision difficulties.
As a result, Gypsy was subjected to a series of unnecessary medical treatments, from invasive surgeries to continuous use of strong medications. She spent years in a wheelchair and was even fed through a tube, even though it was unnecessary.
This charitable deception not only fooled Gypsy herself, but also doctors, neighbors, friends and even charities, which helped the family with donations, trips and housing.
Dee Dee's behavior is a classic example of Munchausen syndrome by proxy, a psychiatric disorder in which a caregiver fakes or causes illness in another person in order to receive attention and recognition.
This condition usually involves parents who induce illnesses in their children in order to assume the role of devoted "heroes" and gain sympathy and admiration from society.
In Dee Dee's case, she found in this role a form of absolute control over Gypsy, keeping her dependent and preventing her from having a life of her own.
Although some doctors suspected the hoax over the years, Dee Dee's lies were so convincing that the investigation never went any further. In 2009, an anonymous report was sent to the authorities questioning the veracity of Gypsy's diagnoses, but Dee Dee managed to manipulate social workers and maintain the charade.
She went so far as to forge her daughter's birth certificate to make her appear younger than she really was, making it even harder for her to become independent.
Over time, Gypsy began to notice her mother's contradictions and looked for ways to escape. When she entered an online relationship, she found someone willing to help her in an extreme way: her boyfriend agreed to kill Dee Dee at her request.
In 2015, the murder shocked the country and revealed the full truth about years of abuse. Gypsy was sentenced to ten years in prison for planning the crime, but many believe that she was also a victim of her mother's manipulation, living a life of physical and psychological suffering.
The story of Gypsy Rose Blanchard and Dee Dee Blanchard is one of the most well-known cases of Munchausen syndrome by proxy and serves as a reminder of the complexity of this disorder.
In many cases, the manipulation is so intense that the victim genuinely believes they are ill, making it difficult to identify and break the cycle of abuse. This type of disorder is still poorly understood, but it highlights the importance of careful investigation in cases of unexplained illness and symptoms that do not match medical tests.
The Act is a drama series based on a true story that premiered in 2019 on Hulu. The plot follows Gypsy Rose Blanchard (played by Joey King), a young woman who spent her entire life believing she was seriously ill, while her mother, Dee Dee Blanchard (Patricia Arquette), treated her like a fragile and dependent child.
However, as Gypsy grows up and begins to question her reality, she discovers that she was never ill at all, it was all just a hoax created by her mother.
The abusive relationship between the two reaches a boiling point when Gypsy, desperate for freedom, convinces her online boyfriend to murder Dee Dee.
Since childhood, Dee Dee has claimed that Gypsy suffered from numerous illnesses, including leukemia, muscular dystrophy, epilepsy, and even hearing and vision difficulties.
As a result, Gypsy was subjected to a series of unnecessary medical treatments, from invasive surgeries to continuous use of strong medications. She spent years in a wheelchair and was even fed through a tube, even though it was unnecessary.
This charitable deception not only fooled Gypsy herself, but also doctors, neighbors, friends and even charities, which helped the family with donations, trips and housing.
Dee Dee's behavior is a classic example of Munchausen syndrome by proxy, a psychiatric disorder in which a caregiver fakes or causes illness in another person in order to receive attention and recognition.
This condition usually involves parents who induce illnesses in their children in order to assume the role of devoted "heroes" and gain sympathy and admiration from society.
In Dee Dee's case, she found in this role a form of absolute control over Gypsy, keeping her dependent and preventing her from having a life of her own.
Although some doctors suspected the hoax over the years, Dee Dee's lies were so convincing that the investigation never went any further. In 2009, an anonymous report was sent to the authorities questioning the veracity of Gypsy's diagnoses, but Dee Dee managed to manipulate social workers and maintain the charade.
She went so far as to forge her daughter's birth certificate to make her appear younger than she really was, making it even harder for her to become independent.
Over time, Gypsy began to notice her mother's contradictions and looked for ways to escape. When she entered an online relationship, she found someone willing to help her in an extreme way: her boyfriend agreed to kill Dee Dee at her request.
In 2015, the murder shocked the country and revealed the full truth about years of abuse. Gypsy was sentenced to ten years in prison for planning the crime, but many believe that she was also a victim of her mother's manipulation, living a life of physical and psychological suffering.
The story of Gypsy Rose Blanchard and Dee Dee Blanchard is one of the most well-known cases of Munchausen syndrome by proxy and serves as a reminder of the complexity of this disorder.
In many cases, the manipulation is so intense that the victim genuinely believes they are ill, making it difficult to identify and break the cycle of abuse. This type of disorder is still poorly understood, but it highlights the importance of careful investigation in cases of unexplained illness and symptoms that do not match medical tests.
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