The story centers almost entirely on the heteronormative partnership between Mulder and Scully. It avoids derogatory tropes but lacks any presence of non-cisnormative identities or narratives that critique heteronormativity.

Dana Scully serves as the intellectual anchor, using scientific rigor to navigate male-dominated conspiracies. Her agency and professional parity with Mulder effectively disrupt traditional submissive female archetypes.

The cast is predominantly white, reflecting the studio filmmaking constraints of the late 90s. The narrative lacks significant racial blending or color-blind casting within its primary character arcs.

The film excels at critiquing Western institutions, portraying government agencies as deceptive and predatory. It skillfully navigates the tension between secular science and personal faith through moral relativism.

The film touches on human biological vulnerability during the extraterrestrial outbreak. However, these elements serve as plot devices for tension rather than nuanced explorations of disability or neurodivergence.