Uncover the truth behind the character and her real-life inspirations.Here’s what we know about Milla Blake’s connection to reality.
February 6, 2025: Netflix’s limited series Apple Cider Vinegar delves into the controversial world of wellness influencers, centering on the story of Belle Gibson, portrayed by Kaitlyn Dever. Among the characters is Milla Blake, played by Alycia Debnam-Carey, whose narrative has sparked curiosity regarding its real-life inspirations.
Milla Blake: A Fictional Character Rooted in Reality
While Milla Blake is a fictional creation for the series, her story draws significant parallels to real-life individuals. Notably, her character mirrors aspects of Jessica Ainscough’s life, an Australian wellness blogger who faced a harrowing battle with cancer.
The Real-Life Inspiration: Jessica Ainscough
Jessica Ainscough was diagnosed with epithelioid sarcoma, a rare form of cancer, in her arm. Rejecting conventional medical treatments, she turned to alternative therapies, documenting her journey on her blog, “The Wellness Warrior.” Ainscough’s approach garnered a substantial following, as she advocated for natural healing methods over traditional medical interventions.
Parallels Between Milla Blake and Jessica Ainscough
In Apple Cider Vinegar, Milla Blake is depicted as a young journalist diagnosed with undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma (UPS), an aggressive cancer affecting soft tissues. Similar to Ainscough, Milla opts for alternative treatments, eschewing the medical recommendation of amputation. This decision reflects Ainscough’s real-life choice to pursue non-traditional therapies in lieu of conventional medical procedures.
The Broader Context: Belle Gibson’s Deception
The series primarily focuses on Belle Gibson, an Australian wellness influencer who falsely claimed to have survived brain cancer through natural remedies and a plant-based diet. Gibson’s fraudulent narrative led to significant financial gain and widespread influence before being thoroughly debunked. Apple Cider Vinegar explores the impact of such deception on individuals like Milla Blake, who are portrayed as being influenced by Gibson’s claims.
Conclusion
While Milla Blake is not a real person, her character in Apple Cider Vinegar is a composite inspired by real individuals, notably Jessica Ainscough. The series uses Milla’s story to highlight the potential dangers of eschewing conventional medical treatments in favor of unverified alternative therapies, a narrative that resonates with real-world events in the wellness industry.
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Published by HOLR Magazine
Sources: Instagram, People.com
Image Credit: Don Arnold/WireImage ; Netflix© 2024