The film lacks explicit LGBTQ+ identities or non-heteronormative romantic structures. While the central incestuous bond between Per and Anna is highly transgressive, it is framed as psychological pathology rather than queer identity.

Anna Månsdotter subverts the nurturing mother trope by acting as a dominant, manipulative force. However, the film still relies on archetypal 'femme fatale' tropes to frame its female characters.

Set in 1889 rural Sweden, the cast is entirely homogeneous. The film reflects the localized, white Swedish demographic of its period and setting without any ethnic blending.

The narrative deconstructs the sanctity of the traditional family unit by centering on domestic corruption. It lacks broader political or institutional frameworks, focusing instead on individual psychological instability.

Themes of madness and delusion drive the suspenseful plot. These psychological states are used as genre tools for tension rather than providing nuanced portrayals of neurodivergence or mental health.