I notice a lot of comments on this page can't help giving away of the theme of THE YOUTH IN US as though it's putting forward an agenda in much the same way as a politician might be putting forward an agenda . I really didn't get the feeling Joshua Leonard was stating " If you don't agree with the concept of assisted suicide then you're on a par with a genocidal maniac " . The arguing against the theme of THE YOUTH IN US is as valid as saying its title is somehow tied in with paedophilia . Both arguments are inconsequential , frivolous and wrong
However ..
... as some people have taken the time and trouble to state this is highly manipulative film making of the worst sort . My own cynical view is Mr Leonard is using the whole euthanasia angle simply as a plot device to set up a story and the message simply doesn't matter what side of the fence you're on . The two protagonists are young and relatively attractive and have everything to live for so right away you're left with the sensation that life isn't kind and bad things happen to nice people . If you've not got this small and subtle detail then don't worry because Mr Leonard will remind you at every opportunity by the most common dominator possible - playing intrusive sappy music at every opportunity on the soundtrack . I don't think there was much in the way of screeching , wailing violins but that's probably because the budget didn't reach that far . As the film ends with the death of Alicia the audience are supposed their rub their faces raw with hankies as the tears gush down their face , but I felt joy for both protagonists since Alicia's ordeal of living , of hearing intrusive manipulative muzak in her ears will now be over and how Jack being a rabid necrophiliac can now have his wicked way with her .
However ..
... as some people have taken the time and trouble to state this is highly manipulative film making of the worst sort . My own cynical view is Mr Leonard is using the whole euthanasia angle simply as a plot device to set up a story and the message simply doesn't matter what side of the fence you're on . The two protagonists are young and relatively attractive and have everything to live for so right away you're left with the sensation that life isn't kind and bad things happen to nice people . If you've not got this small and subtle detail then don't worry because Mr Leonard will remind you at every opportunity by the most common dominator possible - playing intrusive sappy music at every opportunity on the soundtrack . I don't think there was much in the way of screeching , wailing violins but that's probably because the budget didn't reach that far . As the film ends with the death of Alicia the audience are supposed their rub their faces raw with hankies as the tears gush down their face , but I felt joy for both protagonists since Alicia's ordeal of living , of hearing intrusive manipulative muzak in her ears will now be over and how Jack being a rabid necrophiliac can now have his wicked way with her .