Disclaimer: This article contains opinions of Euphoria fans and an analysis of those opinions.
This character has gone from becoming one of the most iconic mysteries of HBO's Euphoria into one of the show's most polarizing characters. One recent trending X (formerly Twitter) thread captures her transformation as fans discussed the morality of her rather odd choices throughout Seasons 1 and 2.
The talk opened with a picture of Jules Vaughn (yes, you read that right) in her shining makeup, wearing angel wings, and looking sad under pink and purple lights. This style showed us how complex this character was but also reminded us of her actions in important moments, especially how she treated Rue.
Let's discuss why people reacted this way, how images make those emotions more vivid, and what Jules' storyline tells us about broader themes of Euphoria.
Jules betrayed Rue, so Euphoria fans won't forgive her
One of the largest reasons viewers are upset is how Jules treats Rue within the series. In Season 1, she is a source of support for Rue but suddenly leaves town when Rue needs her the most. Fans often mention the sad train station scene, where Rue asks Jules to stay, but then she leaves, which leads Rue to relapse.
This moment stuck in viewers' minds, according to what user @wheresmarah says of the emotional provocation:
"I HATTTTEEEEE JULESSSSS.".
These conflicts were heightened in Season 2. Rue feels betrayed when Jules tells her mother about her drug use. Fans think Jules' decision is hypocritical, even if she feels it was necessary.
Critics like @jaymaani shared, “She was dead ass wrong for leaving Rue.”
They tie this broken trust to Rue's history of abandonment. Such behavior combined with her inconsistent support toward Rue being sober has left fans wondering whether Jules truly cared for Rue (played by Zendaya) or was only focused on her issues.
On the other hand, defenders say that Jules' choices are just shreds of evidence of her own problems with identity and mental health.
@zzmellowzz commented, “You’re so real for this.”
They find Jules neither bad nor good but just a person who has imperfections and with many complicated feelings.
The Euphoria-core aesthetics also shape Jules' image
Jules's style is stunning: bright, extraordinary, and full of meaning. All this strongly affects the perception of her. The picture, in which Jules has angel wings and shiny makeup, demonstrates how visually impressive yet numbing the show is.
But it also conceals more disturbing aspects of her personality that viewers have difficulty linking to beauty. Many scenes of season 2 feature Jules in moments of tender thought in bright light or a scintillating party dress. Emotional fragility is a great part of her beauty.
Yet, as @diamondsanatomy noted, “Was glad when Rue broke up with her.”
This means that her beautiful visuals could not redeem her behavior to many fans.
This dichotomy between appearance and action runs in the vein of Euphoria. The show's use of aesthetics leaves viewers wanting to love it but itching to hate it.
What does Jules’ character arc on Euphoria say about love and individuality?
Jules' story is truly about self-discovery; still, she tends to hurt the loved ones around her along the way. Season 2 looks into who she is and what she wants, which touches on her complicated relationship with Elliot, with whom she becomes increasingly intimate, and decides to sleep with—to many fans' horror.
User @diorkamikaze voiced the collective frustration: “Say it louder!!”
Jules's saddening decisions have a reason, though. She addresses her fear of commitment, her problems with how she views herself, and her desire for independence. This becomes evident in the sessions as she reveals her discomfort with Rue completely relying on her.
Some fans, like @naiyaluvsya, sympathize with Jules, seeing her decisions as an attempt to take back independence:
“Idk y'all… I love me some Jules 🫣.”
Others still hold stern critiques of Jules as a pain-inducing element for Rue. The storyline of Jules exemplifies how Euphoria's skewed characters can be defective, human, and sometimes extremely polarizing.
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Watch Jules' story again as Euphoria streams on Max while awaiting Season 3.
Next: What did Sydney Sweeney say about Cassie in Euphoria Season 3?
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