A trope rooted in myths (witches, evil stepmothers) that is only recently being subverted by the female gaze. The Shift: Power and Production

Cinema has long maintained a stark gender disparity regarding age. Studies from the Geena Davis Institute indicate that female characters aged 50+ make up only of characters in that age bracket, significantly fewer than their male counterparts.

Only one in four films passes the Ageless Test, which requires at least one female character over 50 who is essential to the plot and not reduced to a stereotype. Common Cinematic Tropes

Portrayals where an older woman’s value is only reclaimed through a romantic affair that mirrors youthful attributes.

Despite these barriers, 2021 and 2022 marked a significant "ripple" of change as mature women swept major awards. Writing the Older Woman: Stereotypes and Tropes.