The film adheres to 1930s social mores and 1970s cinematic conventions. There is no presence of non-cisnormative identities or same-sex intimacy, with character dynamics centered on traditional romantic structures.

Women largely occupy roles defined by their relationships to male authority or socioeconomic status. Leadership and decisive action are primarily attributed to male characters like the Captain and the Doctor.

The cast is predominantly white and European, reflecting the historical context. However, the narrative centers on the systemic persecution of Jewish refugees, providing a lens into era-specific ethnic tensions.

The film critiques class-based capitalism by highlighting the disparity between luxury passengers and marginalized refugees. It explores how social hierarchies fail under the pressure of a disaster.

There is no discernible focus on visible or invisible disabilities. Characters are defined by social class, nationality, or survival instincts rather than navigating life with disabilities.