The film lacks explicit confirmation of LGBTQ+ characters or non-heteronormative identities. The narrative focus remains centered on the psychological states of the children and the priest's actions.

The story disrupts traditional gendered hierarchies by centering on the failure of a male authority figure. It challenges the trope of the stable, paternalistic protector by framing the priest as a source of dysfunction.

Set in the mountains of Oaxaca, the film provides a significant Mexican cultural backdrop. This localized, non-Western context moves the lens away from typical Anglo-centric perspectives.

The film offers a strong critique of traditional religious-led social institutions. It deconstructs the perceived sanctity of religious authority by portraying a priest as a source of systemic failure.

The focus on 'savage children' suggests an engagement with neurodivergence and psychological trauma. However, it remains unclear if these characters are granted agency or depicted primarily as victims of neglect.