: Even in films from 2010–2020, only about 1 in 4 characters aged 50+ are women , highlighting a significant gender gap in older roles.

: Despite on-screen gaps, mature women form a critical part of the cinema-going demographic, often referred to as the "grey pound" or "silver audience". Common Tropes and Stereotypes

Research on mature women in entertainment and cinema highlights a complex landscape where increased visibility often clashes with persistent ageist and gendered stereotypes. While more older women are appearing on screen, their portrayals frequently lack diversity and depth.

Research identifies several recurring archetypes used to frame older women: Older Women and Cinema: Audiences, Stories, and Stars

: In the "reel" world, a woman's career opportunities often begin to limit at age 35, whereas male counterparts frequently enjoy demand into their 40s and beyond.