The narrative follows classic fairy-tale and gothic conventions: arranged marriages for class and wealth, a love triangle resolved through sacrifice and acceptance of death, and a colorful underworld contrasting a drab living world. These elements overlap superficially with critiques of patriarchy or arranged marriage but remain organic to the genre and source material rather than activist framing. Casting adheres strictly to traditional Hollywood norms of the era with no race, gender, or sexuality alterations to any established characters and no evidence of DEI mandates.

Creator statements and audience reception frame the film as a whimsical love story featuring skeletons, while any academic feminist readings represent post-hoc interpretations rather than the film's intent or thematic core. The absence of explicit social justice lectures, systemic oppression narratives, or identity politics as the premise keeps progressive messaging minimal and incidental.