The film operates within a strictly heteronormative historical framework. There are no visible depictions of non-cisnormative identities or narratives that engage with queer themes.

The narrative is heavily male-centric, focusing on soldiers and a monk. Female characters are largely relegated to the periphery, often serving as archetypal victims or targets of suspicion.

Set in 14th-century England, the cast is predominantly white. The film reflects the demographic homogeneity of the era without utilizing race-bent casting to challenge the setting.

The film excels in its critique of the Church, depicting religious authority as a source of terror and fanaticism. It challenges the necessity of religious orthodoxy through its portrayal of village survival.

The plague serves as a metaphor for bodily decay and systemic vulnerability. However, these depictions lean toward the visceral and horrific rather than providing nuanced portrayals of chronic illness.