The series features a central lesbian couple, Naomi and Claire, whose relationship is depicted with dignity and normalcy. Their queer identity is seamlessly integrated into the narrative, avoiding negative stereotypes or conflict stemming from their sexual orientation. The overall portrayal is affirming, presenting LGBTQ+ characters as complex and respected individuals within the story.

The vampire character, Eli, was established in the source novel as a boy who became a vampire and was castrated. The 2022 series portrays the equivalent character, Eleanor, as a young girl, constituting a gender swap.

The 2022 series adapts characters from the original Swedish novel and film. The vampire child, originally depicted as white, is portrayed by a Latina actress. The human child, also originally white, is portrayed by a Black actor. These portrayals constitute race swaps.

The film depicts a highly isolated, single-parent family unit where a father takes extreme measures to sustain his vampire daughter. This narrative normalizes an alternative family structure driven by necessity and intense parental devotion.