What Is The Best Two Years About?
The premise of The Best Two Years in 283 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
In a quiet Haarlem apartment, four young missionaries share a cramped flat that becomes a crossroads of faith, friendship, and cultural clash. The city’s cobblestone streets, breezy canals, and the soft murmur of Dutch life form a gentle backdrop for a story that feels both intimate and far‑reaching, balancing moments of quiet reflection with bursts of off‑beat humor.
Elder Johnson carries the weight of mission leadership, navigating paperwork and expectations while his partner Elder Van Pelt pursues a promotion with a mix of earnest ambition and restless energy. Across the hallway, Elder Rogers wrestles with the sting of personal disappointment, his confidence frayed after his companion left and married his former girlfriend. Into this mix arrives Elder Calhoun, a fresh‑out‑of‑Utah recruit whose boundless optimism and eagerness to connect in a language he barely masters inject both hope and occasional chaos into the household.
The rhythm of the film is set by daily bike rides through narrow lanes, spontaneous Dutch lessons, and the perpetual search for meaningful conversations with strangers. It is here that Kyle, an American visitor who happens to speak English, becomes an unexpected catalyst, prompting the missionaries to test the limits of their outreach and forcing them to confront both linguistic barriers and the deeper motivations behind their work.
Tone‑wise, the picture blends warm, almost lyrical observations of Dutch life with a subtle, dry humor that underscores the protagonists’ insecurities and aspirations. The apartment itself feels like a micro‑universe where personal growth, quiet rivalry, and shared purpose play out against the larger canvas of an unfamiliar land. As the missionaries navigate their two‑year sojourn, the film invites viewers to wonder how faith, friendship, and perseverance can reshape lives far from home.
What Happens in The Best Two Years?
The complete story of The Best Two Years, from the first scene to the last, in 711 words (about 3 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 6 cast member pages.
Spoilers ahead
The Best Two Years follows four missionaries living together in a Haarlem apartment, navigating language gaps, culture, and the rhythms of a Norwegian Dutch landscape as they carry out their faith in the Netherlands. At the center of the story are four young men who share a dorm-like home: Elder John Rogers, Elder Emmit Johnson, Elder Steven Van Pelt, and Elder Hezekiah Calhoun. Their day-to-day life is structured around short, hopeful conversations, long bike rides through cobbled streets, and the steady routine of teaching and service. Their mission president, President Sandburg, decides to place a fresh recruit under Rogers’ mentorship, and the new arrival, Elder Hezekiah Calhoun, arrives with a buoyant energy that instantly alters the apartment’s dynamics.
Calhoun’s unbridled enthusiasm is both a blessing and a trial. He speaks with contagious optimism, tries to engage strangers despite his limited Dutch, and treats each interaction as an opportunity to share his beliefs. Into this mix rides a thin thread of humor and human error—his willingness to try anything to bridge language gaps leads to endearing mishaps, and his sunny persistence gradually earns the trust of his companions. One providential correspondence appears when Calhoun meets a man from the United States who speaks English. Their brief park conversation leads to a later encounter at a market, where Calhoun gives the man a Dutch Book of Mormon and a phone number. The man calls, and what follows becomes a turning point for the team: a meeting in their apartment, where Calhoun, despite the language barrier, helps the man connect with their message by providing an English version of the Book of Mormon, and the group discovers his name is Kyle Harrison, Kyle Harrison.
Kyle Harrison’s arrival and interest in learning about their faith becomes a focal point for the missionaries. They arrange a second discussion about Joseph Smith and the First Vision, and Kyle shows genuine curiosity, deciding to continue exploring the church. This budding outreach is set against a backdrop of tension within the apartment. Johnson and Van Pelt clash over personal boundaries and a taped message from Johnson’s girlfriend. Johnson’s habit of using a certain, mild stand-in for stronger language — and Van Pelt’s insistence on accountability — culminates in a heated moment that spills out of the living room and into the hallway. A miscommunication escalates into a dangerous moment when Van Pelt, trying to intervene, is hogtied by Johnson with a rope right as their mission president arrives later. The scene is chaotic and intense, but it ultimately yields a sober but corrective response from President Sandburg.
The president’s reprimand is measured but decisive. He anchors his guidance in scriptural references, reminding the team about patience, perseverance, and proper conduct on and off duty. He gently urges Calhoun to continue improving his Dutch, humorously noting a moment when Calhoun, speaking Dutch, quips about the physical toll of walking and cycling. The president also advises Rogers to resume regular letters home to his mother, encouraging at least one weekly note for the remainder of the mission. These discussions establish a tone of responsibility and reassurance, underscoring that growth, not perfection, is the mission’s true aim.
As the days pass, Johnson’s behavior evolves under scrutiny, and Van Pelt remains a steady if sometimes frustrated presence. The emotional current of the apartment shifts as the team continues with multiple lessons at home, each session building toward a hopeful conversion. Kyle embraces the path more fully after additional discussions, and the group schedules a baptism. The decision to baptize Kyle Harrison is entrusted to Rogers, a surprising choice that signals pride and trust from Rogers toward his trainee.
The baptism takes place in a river, timed with the moment when Rogers must prepare to depart for home. The goodbyes at the train station are long and tearful, marking a bittersweet closing arc for Rogers and Calhoun. In the final scenes, Calhoun’s Dutch shows real progress, and he speaks with greater ease and fluency, signaling a hopeful maturation that resonates beyond the apartment walls. The film closes on a note of quiet triumph, emphasizing growth, faith, and friendship as the true outcomes of their two-year sojourn in a foreign land.
With all the walking and bike riding, my rear end has become quite beautiful.
The Best Two Years Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
12 key events in the order they happen, from “New companion arrives in Haarlem” to “Farewells at the train station; Calhoun’s language breakthrough”. 12 events name a place, across 8 locations.
- 1
New companion arrives in Haarlem
Elder Rogers learns that his new companion will be a greenie and, with Elders Johnson and Van Pelt, goes to the train station to meet him. They discover the newly assigned Elder Calhoun is exactly what Rogers predicted. The moment marks the start of a challenging training period in the Haarlem apartment.
When:Opening scene Where:Haarlem train station
- 2
Calhoun’s enthusiastic start despite Dutch
Calhoun embraces missionary work with unbounded energy even though his Dutch is limited. The other missionaries watch with mixed skepticism and some concern as he stumbles through conversations. His optimism, though, remains infectious for the group.
When:Early in the mission Where:Missionary apartment, Haarlem
- 3
First contact with Kyle Harrison
Calhoun meets a United States man in the park and later encounters him again in a market. He gives the man a Dutch Book of Mormon with his contact number, and the man reaches out to arrange a meeting. The initial connection sets the stage for a potential baptismal investigation.
When:Shortly after Calhoun’s arrival Where:Park and market, Haarlem
- 4
Kyle meets the missionaries in their apartment
To accommodate Kyle’s concerns about meeting at the apartment, the missionaries arrange the first discussion at home. They give him the Book of Mormon in English and explain Joseph Smith’s First Vision. The exchange marks the start of Kyle’s serious interest in learning more.
When:First discussion Where:Missionaries' apartment, Haarlem
- 5
Kyle shows genuine interest and schedules more discussions
Kyle reveals sincere desire to learn more about the Church, prompting the missionaries to arrange additional discussions. He responds with thoughtful questions and a developing curiosity. The ongoing lessons deepen his engagement with the mission group.
When:Days after first discussion Where:Missionaries' apartment, Haarlem
- 6
Tensions erupt outside the apartment
Worn by personal tensions and a simmering rivalry, Johnson and Van Pelt clash. Johnson’s use of the word flip and Van Pelt’s reaction lead to a tense scene as Kyle leaves after his first discussion. The moment foreshadows a larger conflict brewing within the group.
When:Just after Kyle's first discussion Where:Outside the missionaries' apartment, Haarlem
- 7
Johnson and Van Pelt reprimanded by President Sandburg
President Sandburg confronts the two elders, delivering a mild but firm rebuke for their misbehavior. He advises Calhoun to improve his Dutch and gently admonishes Rogers to write weekly letters home. The reprimand aims to restore order in the companionship.
When:After the incident Where:Missionary apartment, Haarlem
- 8
Tension deepens as a girlfriend’s message lands
Johnson listens to a tape from his girlfriend, which holds a troubling revelation about an upcoming marriage to a returned missionary. The news compounds his personal strain and tests his resolve. The dynamic among the missionaries remains unsettled.
When:Following the reprimand Where:Missionary apartment, Haarlem
- 9
Kyle commits to baptism after further discussions
Following another round of discussions, Kyle decides to become a member of the Church. The group continues to teach, answer questions, and prepare him for the baptism that lies ahead. The decision marks a significant milestone in his journey.
When:Soon after the second discussion Where:Missionaries' apartment, Haarlem
- 10
Baptism planned; Rogers chosen to baptize
The baptism is scheduled for the Saturday just over a week away. Kyle selects Rogers to perform his baptism, a choice that surprises the elder and underscores Rogers's unexpected leadership. Preparations begin for this important ordinance.
When:About a week before the baptism Where:Haarlem, then baptism location later
- 11
Baptism in a river on Rogers’ departure day
The baptism takes place in a river as planned, occurring on the same day Rogers leaves to return home. The ceremony is a culmination of Kyle’s conversion and Rogers’s mission work. The scene underscores the bittersweet farewell of the missionaries.
When:Same day as Rogers’ departure Where:River location, around Haarlem
- 12
Farewells at the train station; Calhoun’s language breakthrough
There are long goodbyes at the train station as Rogers departs. In that moment, Calhoun demonstrates a clear breakthrough by understanding and speaking Dutch more fluently. The moment signals the growth of each missionary by the program’s end.
When:End of the film Where:Train station, Haarlem
Who Are the Main Characters in The Best Two Years?
6 characters, among them Kyle Harrison (Scott Christopher), Elder John Rogers (KC Clyde) and Elder Steven Calhoun (Kirby Heyborne): who each one is and the part they play in the story. Every profile links to the actor’s page.
- KH
Kyle Harrison (Scott Christopher)
Played by Scott Christopher
An American newcomer who approaches Dutch life with curiosity and openness. He engages the missionaries in discussions about faith and the First Vision, and his genuine desire to learn helps bridge cultural and linguistic gaps. Kyle's upcoming baptism marks a turning point in his spiritual journey and integration with the Haarlem community.
- 🇺🇸 American
- 🗣️ Curious
- ✝️ Religious seeker
- 📚 Bible student
- EJ
Elder John Rogers (KC Clyde)
Played by KC Clyde
The experienced mentor among the four, Rogers carries the weight of past heartbreak and the responsibility of training a new missionary. He grapples with limits of patience and leadership, guiding Calhoun while navigating personal regrets. His actions underscore the balance between discipline and compassion in missionary work.
- 🇺🇸 American
- 🧭 Experienced
- ✝️ Missionary
- ES
Elder Steven Calhoun (Kirby Heyborne)
Played by Kirby Heyborne
The enthusiastic yet linguistically unprepared new missionary. Calhoun's optimism drives outreach despite language barriers, and his interactions with Kyle illustrate the cooperative spirit of the mission. He gradually improves his Dutch and becomes a catalyst for connections with locals.
- 🇺🇸 American
- 🗣️ Enthusiastic
- 🧠 Language learner
- ✝️ Missionary
- EE
Elder Emmit Johnson (David Nibley)
Played by David Nibley
A fiery and impulsive member whose temper and blunt humor create tension within the apartment. His struggle with self-control and conflicts with Van Pelt are central to the group dynamics, prompting consequences and lessons in restraint and responsibility.
- 🇺🇸 American
- 🗯️ Impulsive
- ✝️ Missionary
- ES
Elder Steven Van Pelt (Cameron Hopkin)
Played by Cameron Hopkin
The roommate whose steady presence contrasts with Johnson's volatility. He becomes entangled in the conflict but shows resilience and a willingness to engage constructively with fellow missionaries. Van Pelt's experiences highlight teamwork and the importance of non-violence and communication.
- 🇺🇸 American
- 🧭 Steady
- ✝️ Missionary
- PS
President Sandburg (Michael Flynn)
Played by Michael Flynn
The mission president who balances discipline with encouragement. He reprimands the group when rules are bent, provides guidance on spiritual duties, and helps the missionaries reflect on their commitments and progress. His leadership frames the arc of growth for all four men.
- 🇺🇸 American
- 👔 Authority
- ✝️ Leadership
Where and When Is The Best Two Years Set?
The Best Two Years is set in Haarlem and Netherlands. Here is why the place matters to the story.
Where
Haarlem, Netherlands
The film is set in Haarlem, a historic Dutch city near Amsterdam known for its canals and architecture. The four missionaries share an apartment that anchors the story in a close-knit, communal living environment. The city provides a realistic backdrop for language learning, outreach, and everyday missionary life in the Netherlands.
- 🏙️ City setting
- 🚲 Dutch culture
- ✝️ Religious community
What Are the Themes of The Best Two Years?
3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Growing Faith, Friendship Strain and Cultural Exchange.
-
01
Growing Faith
Faith deepens through direct exposure to local culture, language barriers, and personal growth. Calhoun's enthusiasm and the missionaries' discussions drive Kyle to engage with the Book of Mormon and consider baptism. The President's guidance reinforces humility, perseverance, and commitment to spiritual duties.
-
02
Friendship Strain
Tension between Johnson and Van Pelt tests the group dynamics and threatens teamwork. Rogers' mentorship and Calhoun's attempts to mediate show how trust must be maintained under stress. The conflict near the apartment door demonstrates how disagreements can escalate and the need for leadership and reconciliation.
-
03
Cultural Exchange
The Dutch setting exposes cultural differences, language gaps, and shared religious goals. The missionaries must adapt their approach, switching between Dutch and English materials, while connecting with locals in parks and markets. Kyle's interactions illustrate how outsiders can grow through dialogue and mutual learning.
What Kind of Film Is The Best Two Years?
Hopeful in tone, with steady pacing and a straightforward story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Hopeful
- Pacing
- Steady
- Story
- Straightforward
- Intensity
- Low
- Ending
- Bittersweet
A gentle and heartwarming film that follows missionaries abroad, blending humorous daily mishaps with a hopeful, reflective tone as they experience personal growth and bittersweet farewells.
- hopeful
- reflective
- uplifting
- bittersweet
- gentle
- heartwarming
- religious faith
- missionary work
- personal growth
- friendship
Quiz
How well do you remember The Best Two Years? Test yourself on the story.
