The representation of women over 40 in cinema is shifting from stereotypical, invisible roles toward complex, central narratives, driven by performers like Michelle Yeoh and Viola Davis. While this "new era of visibility" in projects like Hacks highlights a demand for stories about mature, ambitious women, ageist tropes regarding frailty and a lack of authentic menopause representation persist in the industry. For a detailed analysis of this shift, read the report from Geena Davis Institute .