The film lacks any evidence of LGBTQ+ characters or non-heteronormative identities. It adheres strictly to the social and sexual norms of its 19th-century setting.

Narrative agency is heavily concentrated among male characters, specifically Dr. Knox, Burke, and Hare. Women appear primarily as victims or subjects within the medical and criminal frameworks.

The cast appears ethnically homogeneous, reflecting the historical setting of Edinburgh. There is no indication of racial diversity within the primary character arcs.

The story explores the tension between scientific progress and traditional morality. It critiques the ethics of institutionalized science through the lens of medical necessity.

There is no specific portrayal of neurodivergence or physical disabilities. Bodies are treated more as medical specimens than as characters with individual agency.