Its postcolonial themes—lingering effects of French nuclear tests, neocolonial power dynamics, local resistance, and the administrator's growing impotence—overlap with progressive critiques of colonialism but function as organic setting and premise elements rather than activist messaging or identity-focused narratives. The story unfolds through De Roller's detached, surreal perspective without lecture scenes or explicit systemic-oppression framing, keeping the focus on personal and political intrigue rather than ideological advocacy. Casting integrates local Tahitian actors such as Pahoa Mahagafanau as Shannah, a Mahu, in supporting roles that arise naturally from the Tahiti setting, with no race- or gender-swapping of established characters.

Director Albert Serra has described the film as fantasy and observation-focused with a light touch, emphasizing atmosphere over documentary activism or message-driven storytelling. This approach results in minimal progressive messaging, allowing the narrative to prioritize character observation and environmental immersion instead of social justice framing.