Cat People (1982) focuses primarily on a surreal, erotic horror narrative rooted in mythical ideas of transformation. Identity factors such as race, gender, or sexuality are explored more for their psychological or supernatural implications than to push any overtly modern ideology. Characters are flawed, face real consequences, and their arcs are driven by classic horror tropes, not modern social messaging.

The film doesn’t go out of its way to undermine religion, family, or traditional gender roles. If anything, it leans into older motifs of sexuality and primal instinct, rather than critiquing or revising long-established traditions. The emphasis remains on suspense and forbidden attraction rather than updating culture to current ideological tastes.

The film doesn’t villainize alternative perspectives or promote any obvious uniform ideology. Its characters are driven by personal desires and supernatural forces, rather than debates over modern identity politics. There’s room for multiple interpretations, not just a single moral message forced on the viewer.