Day of the Dead (1985) emphasizes character skills and flaws over identity politics. The cast, while including diverse characters for its time, does not focus on race or gender as a major narrative driver. Character arcs are based on individual competency, survival, and interpersonal conflict, not on political messaging or modern ideological themes.

The film presents authority, science, and the military in critical lights, but this reflects the apocalyptic zombie scenario rather than a subversive attack on traditional values. Family and religion are largely absent, but aren’t disparaged either. If anything, it questions authority structures more than cultural norms.

There is little overt ideological preaching. Characters disagree on approaches and worldviews, but these conflicts center around survival rather than modern, real-world issues or identity politics. Traditional views are not villainized; rather, authority figures become problematic due to stress and isolation, not ideology.