“Nightbooks” emphasizes friendship and self-acceptance, featuring diverse leads and themes, though the focus remains mostly on classic fairy tale horror. Identity isn’t relentlessly pushed, but certain character choices seem driven by modern representation trends more than narrative necessity. It doesn’t completely sideline traditional storytelling, but you’ll notice the nudge.

The film doesn’t overtly attack or undermine religion, family, or masculinity, but it subtly leans into nontraditional family and friendship structures. Traditional values aren’t mocked, but they’re notably absent, replaced by a message of self-discovery, which is fairly mild by modern standards.

There isn’t much space for alternative worldviews; almost everyone shares the same views on acceptance and tolerance. There’s not an aggressive villainization of dissent, but there is a clear expectation of embracing difference, with no real challenging perspectives offered.