In our view, "Shock and Awe" leans heavily on ideological storytelling, positioning its journalist protagonists as unerring truth-seekers locked in battle with establishment narratives. Characterization is serviceable, but the focus on moral rectitude tends to overshadow any complex, nuanced growth. There's little attempt to flesh out perspectives outside the central message.

The film questions institutions and traditional narratives, especially regarding government and media. There is a subtle undertone that criticizes mainstream patriotism and traditional power structures, while elevating skepticism and dissent. Traditional values aren’t overtly mocked, but they feel sidelined in favor of modern ideological framing.

Alternative viewpoints are primarily shown as either naive or complicit. The film doesn’t offer a robust or sincere representation of dissenting perspectives, preferring instead to cast its central characters as the lone voices of reason amidst a sea of misguided consensus.