While the film updates some elements for modern sensibilities, the core adventure story is mostly intact. There is some forced representation, with supporting characters and themes occasionally feeling shoehorned to meet current expectations, but Tarzan's journey remains the focus. This could be seen as Hollywood hedging its bets, mostly classic, but with a pinch of modern messaging.

The film reframes colonialism, paints traditional European institutions as villainous, and elevates the agency of Jane and the diverse supporting cast. Masculinity isn’t mocked, but there's definitely a revisionist streak when it comes to historical events and cultural roles, presenting a more modern take on the story’s legacy.

Alternative viewpoints exist, but they are generally represented by irredeemable villains. There’s an undercurrent of modern perspective throughout. Still, there are traces of pluralism, and the film mostly stops short of treating the older worldview as pure evil, which saves it from top scores in this category.