The film adheres to the heteronormative structures of the late 19th century. The emotional core is the marriage between Harry and Bess, with no queer subtext or non-cisnormative identities present.

Narrative agency is heavily concentrated in Houdini, reinforcing traditional hierarchies. While Bess Houdini is a supportive partner, female characters like spiritualists are often framed through deception or victimhood.

The cast is predominantly white, reflecting the Western-centric biographical focus of the era. There is a lack of intentional efforts to disrupt the racial status quo of the period.

The story offers a critique of predatory spiritualism by focusing on the debunking of fraudulent mediums. It prioritizes empirical truth over spiritual dogma through a secularist lens.

Disability is not a primary narrative driver. While grief over his mother motivates Houdini, the film does not explore neurodivergence or provide central figures with physical disabilities.