: Characters who only reclaimed value or "youthfulness" through romantic affairs with younger counterparts.
Furthermore, the phenomenon is disproportionately white. While Viola Davis and Angela Bassett (65, and still delivering Black Panther: Wakanda Forever power) are trailblazing, Asian and Latina actresses over 40 (Michelle Yeoh is a startling exception, not the rule) still struggle for the same breadth of roles. The industry must move beyond "the magical ethnic healer" or "the strict dragon lady" and into the same chaotic humanity afforded to Streep or Mirren. Milfy.24.07.08.Heidi.Haze.Voluptuous.Mom.Heidi....
The message was clear: Mature female desire, ambition, rage, and complexity were not bankable. The industry conflated visibility with viability. : Characters who only reclaimed value or "youthfulness"