The new wave is deadly serious and profoundly human.

And for the audience, that is the most exciting picture Hollywood has developed in years.

We are seeing the rise of the star. We are seeing the mid-budget romantic dramedy (the genre that died in the 2000s) resurrected for a 50+ audience. We are seeing writing rooms staffed with women over 50 who refuse to write the "Boring Mom" trope.

That era is officially over.

But the ultimate banner carrier is .

They have disposable income. They have life experience. And after decades of being told to sit down and be quiet, they are ready to see themselves on the silver screen—not as a mother waving goodbye, but as a hero driving the car, kissing the partner, and saving the day.