The narrative frames her corset and court life as literal and symbolic patriarchal constraints on women's bodies and agency, with anachronistic elements like modern songs and the poster's middle-finger gesture underscoring timeless gender expectations. Director Marie Kreutzer and star/producer Vicky Krieps explicitly describe the project as a feminist story of rebellion against women's societal roles and beauty standards, drawing parallels to contemporary pressures.

Casting fits the historical European figure without alterations to established characters. Reception highlights it as a 'middle finger to the patriarchy' and a bold feminist period piece, with minor backlash from those rejecting its framing of Elisabeth as an empowered rebel rather than a conventional icon. These elements make progressive gender critique prominent in themes and intent but secondary to the personal character study rather than the sole foundational premise.