Making Sense of David and Madison, take 2
They fulfill a deep need in each other. (Spoiler: the needs are dysfunctional.)
David is grandiose with a self-image that exceeds the facts (30s, still living in a sloppy basement at his parents). He does whatever he has to, including deceit and lying, to maintain the image of a successful, desirable male. He is delighted to have found an attractive blonde-haired woman that accepts him and reinforces that image.
Madison is unsure of her worth as a person, and especially as a woman, and seeks external validation for both. She overreacts to negative suggestions about her character (her indignation at Allen’s observation that she acted like a party girl) and invests a lot in outward appearances (makeup, false friendships) in order to maintain a protective façade. She is delighted with David’s male attention, even if based primarily (solely?) on her physical appearance.
They fit each other’s warped psych needs like matching puzzle pieces.
What do you think?
[And please, no "you're excusing them" vibes. None of this excuses the lying, deceit and hurt they caused. In that regard, I don't really care how damaged they are. I would be just fine if they were excluded from the company of decent people.]