Commentary: Forget ‘I’m too old for this’: Women over 60 are redefining action stardom

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For years, the regeneration of older men has dominated our screens. Liam Neeson may have become the king of the “geriaction” drama in 2008 with “Taken” (and has had a death grip on the crown, with dozens of other high-octane films since then), but men of a certain age are always being dragged into second and third acts, invariably panting, “I’m getting too old for this,” as they scramble to save the girl/their marriage/the world. As with so many types of roles, it took Hollywood some time before creators and execs realized women could do the same — Jamie Lee Curtis in the 2018 sequel “Halloween,” Michelle Yeoh in an Oscar-winning turn in “Everything Everywhere All at Once,” Helen Mirren in “Red” and “1923,” and Viola Davis in “The Woman King.”

A growing number of women in their 60s are confidently challenging expectations and refusing to be defined by age, and two new shows highlight this trend. Emma Thompson’s character in Apple TV+’s “Down Cemetery Road,” released Wednesday, and the punk rock women featured in Sally Wainwright’s “Riot Women” (coming to Britbox in the U.S. early next year, after its recent BBC One debut) represent a new wave of female empowerment – a cultural shift where older women are leading the charge.

Movies

‘John Wick: Chapter 4’ earned $73.5 million on its opening weekend, continuing a recent trend of action films starring older actors performing well in theaters.

Based on the books by Mick Herron, author of the “Slow Horses” series, “Down Cemetery Road” centers on Sarah Tucker (Ruth Wilson), an art conservator from Oxford. Her life is turned upside down when a nearby explosion seems suspicious. Believing a surviving young girl is being hidden, Sarah hires a local detective agency run by Joe Silverman (Adam Godley) and his wife, Zoë Boehm (Thompson), to investigate.

Initially, Zoë sees Sarah’s case as a distraction. Where her husband is accommodating, Zoë is cynical, and she’d rather Joe focused on recovering overdue payments than helping another person in trouble. However, when she’s unexpectedly drawn into the investigation, Zoë proves to be a brave, persistent, and resourceful detective – a surprisingly tough investigator for someone from Oxford.

While there have been older female detectives before—like Miss Marple, Jessica Fletcher, and Vera Stanhope—Zoë stands out for her unapologetic attitude and vibrant lifestyle. She’s a striking figure with silver hair, a signature leather coat and boots, and an active personal life. She’s remarkably direct, bordering on blunt, but doesn’t bother with politeness just for the sake of it. In the books, Zoë feels much younger than her sixty-plus years.

Voices

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“Down Cemetery Road” features several interwoven storylines, and true to the author’s style, it involves dishonest and incompetent officials attempting to conceal a crime through further, often violent, illegal acts. Sarah unexpectedly teams up with Mark Downey, a former soldier, as they both search for a missing girl while trying to avoid a dangerous assassin named Amos.

Stewart-Jarrett is excellent, but the show truly shines when it centers on the female characters – both individually and as a group. While Wilson’s Sarah is inspiring, especially considering her insecurities and nurturing instincts, Thompson’s portrayal of Zoë, despite her flaws and past mistakes, immediately establishes her as a memorable character.

After playing her first action hero in “Dead of Winter” – a role reminiscent of Jodie Foster’s in “True Detective: Night Country” – Thompson has moved away from the refined image she cultivated in period dramas. In “Dead of Winter,” her character Barb is a reluctant but tough and determined hero. Through Zoë, she delivers a powerful message to women of a certain age: embrace your strength and fight back against the idea that you’re no longer relevant.

Which is pretty much the theme of “Riot Women.”

Sally Wainwright, the acclaimed writer behind shows like “Happy Valley” and “Gentleman Jack,” is known for creating complex and compelling female characters at every stage of life. Her new series, “Riot Women,” feels like the perfect example of everything she does well. The story begins when Jess (Lorraine Ashbourne), who owns a pub, jokingly suggests to some friends that they start a band to play a single show – a benefit concert for refugees at her grandkids’ school.

Entertainment & Arts

You can always tell a Sally Wainwright show because it consistently features strong female characters of different ages and personalities, takes place in Yorkshire, and often stars Sarah Lancashire, Suranne Jones, Nicola Walker, or Amelia Bullmore. And, most importantly, it’s exceptionally well-made.

The women in the story are all going through difficult times, with hormonal changes adding to their struggles. Holly, recently retired from the police, is adjusting to a new life. Her sister, Yvonne, is a frustrated midwife dealing with a stressed healthcare system. And Beth, a disheartened teacher, feels overlooked after her husband left and her son isn’t present, leading her to consider ending her life.

I’ve been following this band’s story, and it’s incredible to see how it’s changed these people’s lives. For them – and especially for Kitty, who’s been struggling with addiction and isn’t afraid to bend the rules – this band is like a second chance. It’s bringing back a spark they thought they’d lost, a passion that’s been worn down by everyday life and, for most of them, really tough physical symptoms like insomnia, hot flashes, and migraines. When someone suggested playing ABBA covers, Beth totally pushed back. She wanted to play punk and write their own music, and she threw herself into the band with everything she had – like her life depended on it, which, honestly, it kind of does.

Things don’t get easier for these characters. Jess and her daughter quickly find themselves in a serious conflict. Holly and Yvonne’s mother, brilliantly played by Anne Reid, is sadly slipping into dementia. Beth seeks companionship with Kitty, hoping to escape her loneliness, but Kitty’s reckless behavior could land her in jail, or even face more severe consequences.

That’s really the key. When life and your own health feel like they’re working against you, remember E.M. Forster’s advice: “Only connect!” Reach out to people who understand what you’re going through, and also tap into your own inner strength and willingness to act – that rebellious spirit never fades, no matter your age.

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2025-10-29 13:34