The film portrays an intense, queer-coded relationship between two isolated men that devolves into psychological torment, violence, and ultimately, mutual destruction. While exploring complex male intimacy, the narrative links this dynamic to madness and punitive outcomes, offering no affirmation or positive counterbalance for LGBTQ+ themes.

The film depicts Christian-adjacent language and concepts (God, Devil, damnation) primarily through the manipulative and increasingly deranged character of Thomas Wake. These elements are used to exert psychological torment and contribute to the oppressive, superstitious atmosphere, leading to the characters' descent into madness and violence. The narrative offers no counterbalancing positive portrayal.