Recent years have seen a surge in films and TV shows featuring mature women in leading roles. Movies like "The Favourite" (2018), "Book Club" (2018), and "Harriet" (2019) showcase women over 40 as multidimensional, dynamic characters. Television shows like "Big Little Lies," "The Crown," and "Succession" feature complex, mature female characters, demonstrating that women over 40 can be central to compelling storytelling.