The series Monster: The Story of Ed Gein was a hit on Netflix and brought to light one of the most notorious criminals in the United States. The production also introduced the character of Adeline Watkins as his girlfriend. In the plot, Watkins seems to encourage Gein and even participate in his crimes, but what is the truth behind this character?
In this article we will explore the true story of Adeline Watkins and how she was portrayed in the series.
Who was Adeline Watkins in real life?
Adeline Watkins existed, but her relationship with Ed Gein is surrounded by controversy and exaggeration. She was a woman from Plainfield, Wisconsin, and appeared in newspapers shortly after Gein’s arrest in 1957, claiming to have been his girlfriend for about two decades.
In interviews, she described Gein as “good, kind and sweet” and said that they shared interests, such as reading books, although they were not always in the same genres. However, Watkins’ later accounts disproved the idea of a lasting relationship.
She clarified that the relationship was casual, lasting less than a year, and that they had only a few sporadic encounters, including going to the movies and occasional visits to her house. Gein, in turn, never mentioned Watkins publicly, either to the police or the media, reiterating that any connection between the two was minimal and without participation in the serial killer’s crimes.
What historical documents say about the relationship
Shortly after Gein’s arrest, Watkins gave an interview to Minneapolis Tribunerepublished from Wisconsin State Newspaperin which she claimed that they discussed books and crimes and that Gein had symbolically proposed to her in 1955. She said she rejected the proposal, claiming that she would not be able to live up to his expectations.
Shortly thereafter, Watkins released a smaller version for the Stevens Point Daily Journal. He denied the 20-year affair and described the relationship as short, lasting around seven months, with occasional meetings and trips to the cinema. According to this version, Gein never took her to his home, where he kept the human remains and the macabre shrine dedicated to his mother, Augusta Gein.
Adeline Watkins in the series
In the Netflix series, Adeline is played by actress Suzanna Son. The character is shown as an attractive, seductive young woman and, at times, Gein’s accomplice.
The production uses it as a sort of catalyst for the protagonist’s perversions. His presence reinforces the idea that some of Gein’s actions may be influenced by people close to him. However, what is officially known is that this did not happen.
However, visual and narrative elements suggest that Adeline may be more of a hallucination than a real person. He generally appears only at times related to Gein’s delusions, without aging or interacting normally with the environment. This is a possible interpretation, adopted by several critics and fans of the series.
The post Who was Adeline Watkins, Ed Gein’s alleged girlfriend? appeared first on Olhar Digital.
Source: Olhar Digital
Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.
