This disturbing drama is strongly acted, pieced together well, and thrilling to the end. However, a few small issues keep The Chalk Line from being great. While the film starts off great, with an eerie score, an ominous tone, and a mystery, by the time the first big reveal happens, it feels like another film takes over. Ultimately, the first big reveal establishes exactly what kind of film this is, while the first half of the film holds this question open, decidedly, because doing so greatly increases the mystery of the little girl (and what's going on with her). And once the second half gets going, the pace quickens, and more of the thrills build until the villain is inevitably caught.

Also, some viewers may take issue with some of the graphic imagery that shows the brutalized, sexually assaulted, and murdered bodies of children, with lots of commentary and references to child abuse, child rape, sexual assault, trauma, body horror, injury detail, and horrific threat involved situations. Some viewers may feel that this film takes presenting reality too far. Other viewers may find that it makes for a more effective and emotionally effective thriller.