The film contains no LGBTQ+ characters or non-heteronormative identities. The story focuses exclusively on the protagonist's vocation and his immediate family within a traditional rural environment.

Chloé Zhao subverts masculine hierarchies by stripping the protagonist of the stoic cowboy archetype. The inclusion of a central, emotionally intelligent mother provides a non-hierarchical dynamic that challenges patriarchal ranching tropes.

Casting reflects the predominantly white, working-class demographic of the Montana ranching community. While this maintains neorealist authenticity, the film does not use intentional demographic blending to disrupt historical homogeneity.

The narrative offers a nuanced critique of the American West by avoiding Western exceptionalism. It frames ranching through systemic economic instability and the physical risks faced by laborers.

The film provides a dignified portrayal of a traumatic brain injury. It avoids 'inspiration porn,' instead focusing on the protagonist's agency as he navigates a world that no longer accommodates him.