The film focuses on Maria's internal psychological descent rather than queer themes. There is no explicit depiction of non-cisnormative identities or same-sex intimacy.

Maria serves as a central protagonist, providing a nuanced look at female subjectivity and physical vulnerability. However, historical figures remain tied to traditional 16th-century social hierarchies.

The narrative touches on a nation occupied by strangers, hinting at post-colonial subtext. Casting appears to reflect the specific social constraints of the 16th-century setting.

The film critiques romanticized views of historical greatness by framing the 16th century as decadent yet broken. It uses hallucinations to challenge traditional nationalistic narratives.

Maria’s tuberculosis and hallucinations serve as the primary lens for the film. This approach grants agency to her suffering without falling into common tropes of inspiration porn.