The film adheres to strict heteronormative structures centered on the fraternal bond between Vincent and Theo. There is no presence of non-cisnormative identities or same-sex intimacy.

The narrative is heavily localized within the male psychological experience. Female characters like Sien function primarily as satellites or emotional catalysts for the male protagonists' development.

Set within the 19th-century European art scene, the film maintains a homogeneous white cast. It lacks diverse ethnic perspectives or the use of color-blind casting.

The story explores the friction between the individual and conventional society. It portrays poverty through biographical realism rather than offering a systemic critique of Western institutions.

Vincent van Gogh’s psychological struggles are central to the plot. However, the film occasionally leans into the 'tortured artist' trope, romanticizing mental illness.