The film offers no discernible LGBTQ+ representation. The central romantic relationship is strictly heterosexual, depicted through the volatile and codependent dynamic between Mark Kerr and Dawn. There are no non-cisnormative characters, nor does the narrative engage with queer themes or identities.

Emily Blunt’s character, Dawn, serves as the emotional anchor yet remains largely reactive to Kerr’s actions. The film reinforces the trope of the 'troubled male genius' whose chaos is managed by a female partner, failing to subvert traditional gender hierarchies or grant the female lead significant narrative agency.

The cast is predominantly white, with Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt leading the narrative. Supporting actors of color have peripheral roles that do not significantly impact the central story. The film does not explore racial dynamics or systemic racism, focusing instead on universal themes of addiction and fame.

Safdie’s gritty direction critiques the commodification of the human body in sports, framing Kerr’s physicality as a site of exploitation. The portrayal of the 1990s MMA scene highlights the lack of regulation and brutal reality, challenging sanitized sports biopic narratives without overtly critiquing Western institutions.

The film addresses addiction and mental health, specifically opioid dependence, viewed through the lens of invisible disability. Kerr’s struggle is portrayed with raw honesty, avoiding inspiration porn by depicting devastating consequences, though it frames addiction as a personal failing rather than a systemic issue.