Monster: The Ed Gein Story — the third instalment in Netflix’s acclaimed true-crime anthology Monster, created by Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan — delves deep into the disturbing life of Edward “Ed” Gein, the infamous murderer and grave robber from Plainfield, Wisconsin. Released on October 3, 2025, the eight-episode series not only explores his gruesome crimes but also focuses on a long, emotionally complex relationship between Ed and a woman named Adeline Watkins. The portrayal left viewers wondering if she was truly real — and if she was indeed his girlfriend, as shown in the series.
Who was Adeline Watkins in Monster: The Ed Gein Story?
In the Netflix series, Adeline Watkins is portrayed by actress Suzanna Son. She is depicted as Ed’s closest confidante — a woman equally fascinated by death, who becomes his emotional anchor and companion in darkness. The show dramatizes their relationship by showing Adeline accompanying Ed on grave-robbing trips and introducing him to stories of notorious killers like Ilse Koch. Their bond appears romantic and deep, spanning nearly two decades, culminating in Ed’s proposal — which she accepts in the series, becoming his girlfriend. However, while Adeline Watkins was a real person, much of her on-screen relationship with Ed is a creative embellishment.
Was Adeline Watkins really Ed Gein’s girlfriend?
Adeline Watkins did exist and reportedly knew Ed Gein, but historical evidence of a romantic relationship is inconclusive. According to a 1957 Minneapolis Tribune interview, Adeline claimed that she and Ed had known each other for about 20 years and had shared a romantic bond. She described Ed as “kind,” “polite,” and “sweet,” and even admitted that she may have “taken advantage of him” for her own fascination with the macabre.
In her account, the two would often meet, exchange books, discuss gruesome crimes, and occasionally visit taverns or theatres together. She alleged that Ed proposed to her during one of their final meetings in 1955 — a proposal she declined, not out of dislike but because she felt she “couldn’t live up to what he expected.” Despite his horrific crimes later coming to light, she told the Tribune, “I loved him, and I still do.”
However, soon after the article’s publication, Adeline retracted much of her earlier claims, saying that the interview had been sensationalized. She clarified that although she had known Ed for many years, their close association only lasted about seven months between 1954 and 1955, and she had never once set foot in his house. Her later statements suggested that their relationship was far less romantic and more casual than initially portrayed.
Why was Adeline Watkins’ character exaggerated in the Netflix series?
The showrunners of Monster: The Ed Gein Story intentionally expanded Adeline’s role for dramatic and psychological depth. They used her as a symbolic figure — a mirror reflecting Ed’s descent into obsession and delusion. Co-creator and lead actor Charlie Hunnam noted that, in his view, Adeline was “in large part a fantasy of Ed’s,” representing his yearning for connection twisted by his disturbed mind.
In reality, Ed Gein himself never publicly acknowledged having a romantic partner, nor did any official records or testimonies confirm such a relationship. By amplifying Adeline’s presence, the series blurs the line between reality and delusion — much like Ed’s own fractured perception of women, shaped by his domineering mother and his gruesome compulsions.
Ultimately, while Adeline Watkins was indeed a real person, Monster: The Ed Gein Story transforms her into something larger — not merely a woman from Ed’s past, but a haunting reflection of the emotional void that defined his monstrous psyche.