Bend offers a sensitive and affirming portrayal of a queer coming-of-age story. It focuses on a young girl's journey of self-discovery as she develops feelings for her best friend, depicting their relationship and her evolving identity with dignity and empathy. The narrative validates queer love and experience.

The film portrays a conservative Christian youth camp environment as a source of internal conflict and pressure for the protagonist, Lily, as she grapples with her queer identity. The narrative appears to critique the unaccepting aspects of this religious setting, positioning them as an obstacle to her self-discovery and acceptance.