Themes center on artistic obsession, love, beauty, redemption, faith, and the divine pursuit—classic literary and spiritual motifs drawn directly from Dante's work, with no identity politics, systemic oppression narratives, or critiques of traditional norms. Casting features an international ensemble including Gal Gadot, John Malkovich, and Franco Nero in roles fitting the crime and historical settings, without race- or gender-swapping of established characters or DEI-driven choices.

Director Julian Schnabel emphasized selecting actors for merit and focusing on the movie's artistic vision rather than external issues. Reception highlights chaotic execution and miscasting complaints but shows zero audience or critic discussion of progressive messaging, confirming the absence of activist framing.