Themes of identity and puppetry draw from classic storytelling traditions of self-discovery and body-swap absurdity, with no foundational premise built around systemic oppression, identity politics, or critiques of traditional norms. The film's surreal identity and control themes remain rooted in puppetry and celebrity satire rather than modern social justice framing, keeping the narrative focused on absurdist humor and personal desperation. Creator Charlie Kaufman has described the script as a combination of a portal idea and an affair subplot centered on characters' unhappiness, without activist intent.

An incidental gender exploration subplot arises through the portal device but serves only the absurdist plot mechanics instead of driving any messaging or narrative priority. The 1999 casting and production contain no established-character race or gender swaps and no DEI mandates, resulting in reception as a cult indie comedy free of politicized controversy.