Keith Fraase

Keith Fraase—now there’s a name that pops up quietly but leaves a mark if you’re clued in. He’s not one of those splashy, red-carpet types, but if you’re into movies that actually make you feel something, you’ve probably seen his work without even realizing it. The guy’s got his fingerprints all over Past Lives (2023), which, let’s be real, is one of those indie flicks that sneaks up on you and then refuses to leave your brain. It’s got that bittersweet nostalgia and aching “what if” vibe, and Fraase’s role is woven right into the storytelling—subtle, steady, never flashy, but you’d notice if it wasn’t there. And then, going back a bit, he was part of To the Wonder (2012). That’s a Terrence Malick joint, so you already know you’re in for dreamy visuals and a story that doesn’t spoon-feed you. Fraase fits right into that style—his work’s got this quiet confidence, letting emotions simmer instead of boiling over. Same deal with Knight of Cups (2015), another Malick film, all poetic and slightly messy and beautiful in that way only Malick movies can get away with. Fraase is the dude who helps your heart break in slow motion, even if you’re not sure why. Honestly, the man’s becoming a bit of a go-to where it counts: movies that trust the audience, that let things breathe, that haunt you a bit afterwards. If you’re paying attention, you’ll notice his influence—he’s the invisible thread tying together some of the most thoughtful cinema out there.