A 41-year-old family medicine doctor in Bergen County, New Jersey, says a new genre of highbrow erotica has become part of her weekly routine. Rachel, who asked that her last name not be used, listens to explicit audiobooks such as “Helpless” by Jessica Knoll and “A Court of Thorns and Roses” by Sarah J. Maas while driving her family SUV, and watches shows like “Industry” and movies like “Baby Girl” on her phone while doing laundry.
“It’s become like my therapy,” said Rachel, who is married to a fellow doctor and has two children under seven.
Rachel is far from alone. She says her group chat of fellow mothers regularly trades recommendations for this kind of content.
“It feels like you’re watching any other good movie… just with bondage,” she said.
A Genre Built Around Older Women
The trend has been dubbed “prestige porn” — a style of erotica aimed at women over 40 that features sexual dominance and desire themes, produced with the same production values as mainstream film and literature. It spans movies, books and even retail products sold alongside designer goods.
The latest example is “Wicker,” an “absurdist romantic comedy” starring Olivia Colman as a frustrated spinster and Alexander Skarsgård as a man made of straw. The film’s trailer went viral when it debuted in July, prompting doctors to publicly warn against trying to replicate certain scenes with “trees or shrubs.”
“Wicker” opens nationwide October 30, and advance screenings — some featuring “vibrating and motion seats” — have already sold out across the country.
In Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, one screening room was reportedly full of female retirees. A 74-year-old attendee named Joyce, who withheld her last name because “my kids read your paper,” called the film “very enjoyable.”
Why Now?
Brianna Makówka, a licensed sex therapist who specializes in kink therapy, says the appeal reflects a broader cultural moment.
“People are totally disconnected from their bodies right now… we’re living in screens so often that our bodies are reminding us how important they are to our full being.”
Makówka said framing sex as a luxury experience, rather than something taboo, is giving people — women in particular — permission to explore it more openly.
“This new wave of luxury sex products and more artful erotic content is letting more people engage with sex, and pushing us to ask, ‘What is the type of sex worth having?'” she said.
From Boardroom to Bedroom
The trend has also reached retail. Bloomingdale’s now sells a $108 “arouse stimulating serum” near its designer handbags, while Revolve carries anal beads alongside Isabel Marant apparel. The $60 erotica app Quinn offers stories narrated by actor Andrew Scott.
Jennifer Zuccarini, who designs lingerie for her brand Fleur du Mal, said her New York boutiques are frequently visited by older women coming straight from stores like Chanel and Dior, looking for a comparable designer experience for the bedroom.
“Sex is such a luxury right now because we’re on devices constantly… When you have that feeling with somebody, there’s no better drug out there.”
Zuccarini said customers often come in looking for a simple bra and leave having purchased $300 leather handcuffs.
Éva Goicochea, founder of the sexual wellness brand Maude, said the trend reflects women seeking satisfaction they haven’t fully found even after success elsewhere in life.
“Elevated design gives people permission to view sex as something they should feel good about wanting and exploring,” she said.
Not Calling It Porn
Much of this content avoids the word “porn” entirely. Colman and Skarsgård have described “Wicker” as a “romance” in press interviews. HBO calls “Industry” a “gripping and provocative” drama. And “Babygirl,” starring Nicole Kidman, is marketed as a psychological drama despite its explicit scenes.
Makówka said the broader cultural shift is a healthy one.
“Films like these are giving a lot of people permission to get curious about asking, ‘What is it that I want? What have I not been seeking? Maybe it’s okay to seek this out.’ That is healthier, psychologically, for everyone. It makes people happier and more connected.”
