Michael Collins stays focused on classic storytelling, prioritizing personality and historical motivations over identity politics. Casting aligns with historical figures rather than mandated diversity. There's little evidence of characters being celebrated for identity rather than merit, and the narratives are centered on real, often flawed people.

The film portrays faith, family, masculinity, and broader Irish cultural themes as central, not as punchlines. Masculine virtues are depicted traditionally through struggle, loyalty, and sacrifice, and the story upholds conventional moral and cultural frameworks, showing respect towards religious and national heritage.

The film offers competing perspectives within the Irish struggle and includes moral debate and ambiguity. It doesn't flatten historical figures into caricatures simply for holding traditional perspectives, instead treating ideological conflict as complex and real. There’s real dialogue between alternatives.