All her videos explaining the situation sound like she's convincing herself as much as other people
I think you're right, it's as if James is gaslighting her, "Emily - this is what we both want - rightttttt? The only way it can work, work is important to you isn't ittttt?"
I think she is close to her family and simultaneously a very needy girlfriend. The more James is pulling away the harder it is for her - which isn't weird! IMO It is normal to want to be with the one you love. Not 100% dependant on them, not make them your world but to at least eat with them once a day and talk.
It's a sad and uncomfortable situation and James is fine with it - great it works for him... but not for her evidently. Only if you didn't actually like the guy. It seems she has lost her already small appetite as she senses james slipping (silthering) away. He seems to have essentially dumped her, (by moving away), but she hasn't accepted it yet.
She is financially independent and in her mid twenties, i am pleasantly surprised her parents let her move back in tbh. I hope it works out for them, but as others have said she'll be running back to James as soon as travel is deemed safe (and comped) again.
Lastly why on earth is lucy flight giving that guy who cheated on her another chance?! Girl - no!
Have these women no self respect?