The film lacks explicit LGBTQ+ characters or non-cisnormative identities. The narrative focuses on the platonic bond and survival of the female protagonists without engaging in queer themes.

The story centers on female agency and resilience, subverting traditional wartime tropes. It highlights the intellectual and moral fortitude of young women navigating a male-dominated landscape of aggression.

The narrative places a Jewish protagonist at the center of the Holocaust experience. This provides significant depth to the depiction of ethnic persecution and systemic oppression.

The film critiques nationalist ideologies by framing the Nazi regime as a corrupt force. It emphasizes individual truth and art over the destructive dogmas of state-mandated social norms.

Julian’s facial deformity serves as a catalyst for exploring social exclusion and empathy. The character's struggle highlights the consequences of intolerance rather than serving as mere inspiration.