Barbarian

Nico Michaels acts carefree and steers clear of anything serious, especially relationships. His chaotic past taught him that love only complicates things, so he sticks to one-night stands and a close-knit circle of friends, including his roommate, Malachi Mizrahi.

Malachi is neurodivergent and gender-fluid, and wakes each morning with a whole new personality. One thing never changes: his love for Nico. The two clicked from the start, bonding over everything from anime to nature documentaries, and they even share a bed, though only platonically.

One night a kiss blurs the lines, but before it can go further, a desperate call from one of Mal's dance students pulls them into a missing person's case that raises more questions than it answers. Then Mal admits he has been quietly orchestrating Nico's whole life without Nico noticing. Nico is shaken to his core and his view of their relationship is shattered.

As they make their way through the dangerous world of a vicious Chinese triad, their bond deepens. Nico starts to see that Malachi is not only the perfect friend but the perfect man for him. To have any chance of a happy future, they must face their pasts and survive the present.