The 1970s, in particular, were marked by a growing awareness of feminist issues and a desire for greater representation and empowerment. Mature women like Gloria Steinem, Betty Friedan, and Simone de Beauvoir became icons of the feminist movement, inspiring a new generation of women to take control of their lives and careers.

The most exciting frontier is the "third act story." We are moving past "Can she still look hot in a bikini?" to "What does she want now that the kids are gone?" and "How does she rebuild after a 30-year marriage ends?"

Perhaps the most radical recent development is the depiction of sexuality in older women. For years, the only romantic option for a 60-year-old actress was the Book Club model—gentle, sanitized, and comedic.