The film adheres strictly to 19th-century social norms. There are no depictions of non-cisnormative identities or same-sex intimacy, focusing instead on the protagonist's spiritual pursuits.

Women appear primarily as mediums facilitating the spiritualist movement. However, they lack primary intellectual agency, as the narrative centers on the male scholar's journey within a patriarchal framework.

The casting reflects a homogeneous European demographic consistent with mid-19th-century France. The film does not utilize diverse casting to disrupt the historical context of the era.

The story provides a critique of institutional power by depicting friction between the Catholic Church and Spiritism. It challenges religious hegemony by proposing a new spiritual paradigm.

Mediumship is explored through spiritual and historical lenses rather than disability agency. There is no central focus on physical or mental disability as a character arc.