20 Days in Mariupol is a documentary focusing on the siege of Mariupol, driven by on-the-ground footage and raw storytelling. It doesn’t inject forced representation or prioritize identity politics over the harsh reality being depicted. The narrative sticks to its journalistic mission, emphasizing the lived experience rather than ideological themes.

The film’s focus is largely on the brutality of war and human suffering, without taking the opportunity to subvert traditional institutions or moral ideals. It avoids overt commentary on masculinity, family, or religion, instead letting the facts speak for themselves in a rather traditional journalistic manner.

While some viewers may interpret a Western-oriented perspective in its framing of the conflict, the film does not actively villainize alternative views in a heavy-handed manner. The focus remains on journalistic observation rather than promoting a uniform set of ideological assumptions.