Undercurrents is an HBO nonfiction film examining the murder of Danish journalist Kim Wall and the trial that followed, told through an honest, unsensational lens. The graphics needed to carry significant narrative weight, including maps, social media, and on screen text messages. The challenge was designing for a story this dark without sensationalizing it, keeping every element restrained and respectful.
The visual system is anchored in clarity, neutrality, and precision. A clean, modern design language extends seamlessly across every medium the film requires, from maps to social graphics to text messages, so the graphics inform without ever editorializing. Restraint is the design decision.
Social media, text messages, and emails played a significant narrative role throughout the film. Each piece of digital content was thoughtfully integrated - either placed within relevant environments or presented in clean, minimal digital spaces.
Images of Kim's killer, entrepreneur Peter Madsen are highly treated with ink and water effects. The destruction of the image equivalent to his impact on Danish society.
This alternate title treatment draws inspiration from a quote comparing Peter Madsen to a dark, inky liquid seeping through and consuming the city of Copenhagen. The visual interpretation reflects that metaphor—atmospheric, ominous, and slowly enveloping.
