The film adheres to the social constraints of its era. There is no visible presence of queer subtext or non-cisnormative identities within the character arcs.

Fantine’s arc critiques gendered exploitation and the vulnerability of women. However, female agency remains largely tied to suffering or protection rather than independent leadership.

The narrative reflects the demographic homogeneity of 19th-century France. It focuses on class stratification rather than racial or ethnic intersectionality.

The film excels in critiquing established institutions and the legal system. It highlights how economic structures criminalize poverty and depicts social upheaval against the status quo.

The film touches on the physical toll of poverty but lacks explicit focus on neurodivergence or physical disabilities portrayed with agency.