The plot follows their relationship, a trip to Amsterdam, first love, and loss, with no race or gender swaps of established characters, no prominent identity-focused subplots, and no dialogue addressing systemic oppression or identity politics. The story remains grounded in the universal themes of illness, love, and mortality drawn directly from the source novel, without any activist framing layered on top. Casting aligns with the book's descriptions through white leads Shailene Woodley and Ansel Elgort alongside a supporting cast that features only incidental minor diversity, such as one Black doctor character.

Author John Green expressed general support for diverse books in publishing around the time of release, yet the film adaptation itself contains no embedded progressive messaging or creator-stated activist intent for this particular story. The result is a straightforward drama that prioritizes emotional human connection over ideological messaging.