Lion

Representation / casting choices

Casting choices align precisely with the real-life demographics and settings of the biographical events, featuring appropriate Indian actors for Indian characters and Australian actors for the adoptive family with no visible mismatches or forced inclusions.

Political / ideological dialogue

The screenplay and performances contain zero instances of explicit political, activist, or ideological dialogue; all interactions center on family dynamics, personal trauma, and individual determination.

Identity-driven story themes

Saroo's arc includes recurring moments of cultural dislocation and rediscovery of his Indian heritage while living as an Australian-raised adult, forming a noticeable personal theme in the latter half of the narrative.

Institutional / cultural critique

The film presents factual depictions of 1980s Indian street life and orphanage systems as part of the true events without any reframing into critiques of patriarchy, colonialism, capitalism, Western institutions, or modern identity issues; the Australian family is shown as supportive and loving.