Afternoon Delight focuses on character-driven storytelling with complex, sometimes flawed, individuals. Identity factors aren’t forced to the front, and the plot doesn’t seem to sacrifice coherence for the sake of social messaging. The diverse characters contribute to the story’s realism rather than detracting from it. It’s mostly grounded in the reality of suburban malaise without shoehorning agenda-driven elements.

The film explores family and marital issues with a somewhat critical eye, but it doesn’t outright mock or undermine traditional values. Masculinity isn’t pathologized; instead, the struggles of both male and female characters are depicted somewhat evenly. Some might feel a modern edge, but it doesn’t fully cross into territory of revisionism or overt subversion.

While Afternoon Delight hints at modern assumptions about gender roles and personal freedom, it doesn’t villainize alternative points of view. Traditional perspectives are present and get a fair share of the narrative, avoiding outright caricature. There’s room for internal debate and a variety of viewpoints.