Schafer's luminosity keeps jules vaughn alive in euphoria

As Euphoria's third season plods along, it's become increasingly clear that this show's best days are behind it. The staginess, sex, and gore that have taken over have left little room for meaningful character development. But there is one character that still manages to captivate: Jules Vaughn, the aspiring artist and part-time sugar baby played by Hunter Schafer.

Jules's storylines are predictable, but schafer makes them work

Jules's situation is a complex are-we-exes-or-besties mess as she navigates a dependency on a potentially dangerous surgeon. It's a predictable narrative, but one that still holds some interest thanks to Schafer's talents.

This season has seen less of Jules than fans might have hoped for, but her appearances are always memorable. From rolling up to Nate and Cassie's wedding in a jaw-dropping Acne Studios dress to a fleeting glimpse of her painting a majestic female nude, Jules always makes an impact.

What's missing is a deeper exploration of Jules's emotional state after all these years. We want to know where she is, and how she's coping. But Schafer's luminosity is enough to keep us invested for now.

Schafer's ability to do a lot with a little is impressive, and when she's on screen, it's hard not to look at anyone else. Even when Maddy, played by Alexa Demie, sashays into a scene serving face and revenge in a lethal green cutout dress, Jules remains the standout.

As it stands, Jules's arc is sparse, but Schafer's performance keeps us hoping for more. Whatever Euphoria gives us of Jules's story, we'll take it.