The film lacks LGBTQ+ characters or any exploration of non-heteronormative identities. It follows a conventional heteronormative framework typical of late-90s action cinema.

Narrative agency is concentrated heavily in the male protagonist. While female characters like Penélope Cruz provide plot utility, they function in traditional supporting roles rather than disrupting gender dynamics.

The casting is predominantly homogeneous, reflecting a white-centric ensemble common in late-20th-century thrillers. There is a lack of significant minority characters with high agency.

The story focuses on individualistic survival during a natural disaster. It avoids explicit critiques of Western institutions, centering the plot on personal greed and situational survival instead.

There are no prominent depictions of visible or invisible disabilities. Characters are defined by their physical capability to navigate a high-intensity disaster environment.