When Netflix announced Monster: The Ed Gein Story, fans of true crime expected a chilling deep dive into one of America’s most notorious killers. What caught many viewers off guard, however, was the inclusion of a figure rarely mentioned in Gein’s history—Adeline Watkins. Played by actress Suzanna Son, Watkins is depicted as Gein’s neighbor and rumored longtime love interest.
That storyline raises the big question: Was Adeline Watkins really Ed Gein’s girlfriend, or is this just another case of true crime dramatization?
Who Was Adeline Watkins?
Adeline Watkins lived in Plainfield, Wisconsin during the 1940s and 1950s, the same quiet town where Ed Gein carried out his grisly crimes. By all accounts, she led a private life, working in her community and keeping largely to herself. Unlike the women who became victims of Gein’s violence, Watkins was never harmed or directly involved—her name surfaced instead through whispers and speculation.
Over time, local gossip suggested she and Gein shared a special connection. Some believed their closeness hinted at romance, even though Gein was notoriously withdrawn and struggled with relationships, particularly with women.
The Rumored Relationship Between Ed Gein and Adeline Watkins
Stories from the period suggest that Gein spoke fondly of Adeline Watkins and may have admired her for many years. A few residents even claimed he tried to court her for nearly two decades. Still, Watkins herself later dismissed these claims, saying their supposed relationship was nothing more than town gossip blown out of proportion.
Historians note that Gein’s supposed affection for Watkins stood in sharp contrast to his dark obsession with women who resembled his mother—a fixation that fueled his horrific crimes. Whether the rumors of romance were true or not, Watkins became part of the unsettling mythology that surrounded him.
How Netflix’s Monster Portrays Watkins
In Ryan Murphy’s reimagining, Adeline Watkins plays a far more prominent role in Gein’s story. Suzanna Son’s performance brings a softer, more emotional angle, showing a side of Gein that audiences rarely see. The series frames her as a possible love interest, raising the provocative question: Could Gein’s life have taken a different path if this relationship had been real?
With Charlie Hunnam cast as Ed Gein, the on-screen dynamic between him and Son is set up as a focal point. It’s a bold storytelling choice—one that humanizes Gein without excusing him, while also keeping viewers hooked on the unsettling mix of fact and fiction.
Fact vs. Fiction: Did Adeline Watkins Really Love Ed Gein?
The truth is, no one can say for sure. While the Netflix series dramatizes their bond, there’s no solid evidence to prove that Watkins and Gein were ever romantically involved. What is known is that Watkins distanced herself from the idea, rejecting the notion of a decades-long love affair. Whether her denial stemmed from embarrassment, stigma, or simple truth remains uncertain.
Why Adeline Watkins Still Matters in True Crime
Even if the romance was nothing more than rumor, Adeline Watkins adds an important dimension to the story of Ed Gein. Her name reminds us that killers like Gein did not exist in isolation—they lived in real communities, with neighbors, acquaintances, and people who sometimes got pulled into their orbit.
For Netflix, placing Watkins in the spotlight underscores one of the most compelling aspects of true crime: the blurred line between reality and the stories we tell about it.
Final Thoughts
The real story of Adeline Watkins may always be shrouded in uncertainty, but her portrayal in Monster: The Ed Gein Story ensures she won’t be forgotten. Whether she was truly Gein’s girlfriend or simply a misunderstood neighbor, Watkins adds a layer of humanity to a tale defined by horror.
And as Suzanna Son brings her to life on screen, viewers are left with one lingering question: Where does the truth end—and where does the legend begin?