The modern mature female character has shed the trope of the kindly, sexless grandmother. Today’s roles are jagged, powerful, and often morally ambiguous.
While acting is the visible front line, the real revolution is happening behind the camera. Mature women are no longer waiting for the phone to ring; they are buying the phone company.
For decades, the "Hitchcock Blonde" had an expiration date. Once a leading lady turned 40, the roles dried up.