Coffey's supernatural healing powers lead to his own destruction. He is the embodiment of the empathetic healer who only seeks to lessen the pain of others. The movie contrasts goodness (e.g., Coffey, Paul and most of the guards, the warden) with pure evil (Percy the guard, "Wild Bill?-the true killer). Themes include human worth, power (electrical, societal, physical), faith, death, and love.
The role of the physician in capital punishment is also touched on with the appearance of a doctor who determines if death has occurred or another jolt of electricity is required. The plot and sub-plots are deftly interwoven with the strongly developed characters and highlighted by dramatic lighting and excellent cinematography.