While the film stars Chadwick Boseman, the story is driven by gritty noir thriller elements rather than overt ideological motives. Character backgrounds enhance the realism rather than feeling shoehorned for diversity’s sake. The protagonist’s arc is personal and consistent, with no apparent forced identity politics detracting from plot or tension.

The film focuses on individual revenge and crime rather than social commentary about family, religion, or masculinity. There’s no overt attempt to undermine traditional values. Masculinity, in fact, is portrayed through the main character’s determined and protective actions, sticking to genre conventions.

Message from the King avoids heavy-handed messaging or cartoonish villainization of alternative viewpoints. Its world is morally grey, and characters make choices grounded in personal motivation rather than ideology. Themes are gritty, not preachy.