The New Man offers an intimate and empathetic portrayal of Quirino Rodrigues, a transgender man in Cape Verde. The film respectfully explores his journey of self-discovery, transition, and the challenges he faces within his community. It highlights his dignity and agency, affirming the worth of his identity despite external obstacles, resulting in a net positive impact.

The film centers on Quirino, a trans man, returning to his traditional Cape Verdean island after transitioning in Europe. It portrays his journey for acceptance from his family and community, highlighting external societal challenges rather than denigrating his identity. The narrative explores themes of identity and belonging with dignity and empathy, affirming the worth of his trans life despite the obstacles.

The New Man centers on a couple's transition into parenthood, presenting it as a universal, life-changing event that reshapes identity and daily life through the lens of modern fatherhood and late parenthood.

The film explores themes of tradition and identity in Cape Verde, where Catholicism is a foundational cultural element. It is depicted as an integral, respected part of the community's heritage, even if its role is explored with nuance in the face of modernity.