Moonlight places significant emphasis on identity, particularly race, sexuality, and masculinity, front and center. The film is more concerned with exploring these facets than developing a universally relatable or traditionally structured story, resulting in a heavy-handed focus on certain political themes. Character arcs revolve around identity rather than broader human experience.

The film challenges traditional views on masculinity, family, and community, painting many traditional perspectives as damaging or oppressive. Religion and family are depicted largely as sources of struggle or trauma for the protagonist, while alternative lifestyles and perspectives are elevated in an uncritically positive light.

Alternative viewpoints are minimally represented and tend to be villainized or reduced to negative stereotypes, such as abusive family members or intolerant peers. Viewers may feel that the film showcases only one permissible worldview and shies away from meaningful debate or pluralism.