Historically, cinema prioritized youth as the primary currency for women. Once an actress moved past a certain age, the industry struggled to see her as a complex, sexual, or protagonist-worthy being. This phenomenon, often called the "Ageing-Out" effect, meant that legends like Bette Davis or Joan Crawford had to pivot to "Hag Horror" films in their later years to remain employed.
Furthermore, the "Barbie" effect (a film about a 60-year-old doll played by Margot Robbie, but directed by Greta Gerwig with a subplot about the existential dread of aging via the "Weird Barbie") tapped into this vein. The audience saw themselves reflected in the fear of being discarded after a certain age. big busty milfs gallery