Sirāt

The film touches on identity themes through the idea of a 'chosen family'. The alternative and gender-nonconforming characters create their own community away from normal society. There are also subtle, brief hints that the missing daughter, Mar, may have run away because she is transgender. This represents a rejection of traditional family structures. However, these themes are mostly symbolic and poetic. They are not preachy or activist-driven.

The film presents a background critique of Western society. It shows a group of European youth escaping a vague war to seek refuge in the desert. It critiques the empty, hollow escapism of these Western ravers. However, the film avoids turning this into a preachy activist sermon about capitalism or colonialism. It keeps the focus on a more spiritual struggle for survival in a harsh landscape.

There is no organized anti-woke campaign or major backlash against the film. Most complaints focus on its very slow pace and bleak, tragic ending. Some viewers have noted that the movie's praise is tied to its association with alternative lifestyles and leftist Spanish production houses. However, actual complaints accusing the film of pushing a direct, aggressive woke agenda are extremely rare.

The creative team has a mixed to strong progressive track record. Director Oliver Laxe resists political messages and focuses on spiritual poetry. However, the film is produced by Pedro Almodóvar, Agustín Almodóvar, and Esther García. These producers have a long history of championing queer, transgender, and feminist cinema in Spain. They also support left-wing political causes publicly, adding a strong progressive context.