The Best Two Years (2004) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

The film takes place in Haarlem, a historic Dutch city near Amsterdam known for its canals and architecture. The four missionaries share an apartment in this city, which serves as the backdrop for their daily interactions, language learning, and outreach efforts in the Netherlands.

• haarlem
• netherlands
• setting
• amsterdam
• dutch city

The movie depicts four Mormon missionaries sharing a rundown apartment in Haarlem. Their daily routine involves language learning, outreach in parks and markets, and navigating cultural differences while teaching about their faith. The close-knit living environment creates both camaraderie and tension among the missionaries.

• missionary life
• apartment
• haarlem
• elders
• flat sharing

Elder Emmit Johnson is a fiery and impulsive missionary whose temper and blunt humor frequently create tension within the apartment group. His struggle with self-control and ongoing conflicts with Elder Van Pelt form a central conflict in the film, prompting lessons about restraint and responsibility.

• elder johnson
• emmit johnson
• character
• temper
• conflict

Elder John Rogers serves as the experienced mentor among the four missionaries. He carries the weight of past heartbreak and the responsibility of training newer missionaries like Calhoun. Rogers grapples with the balance between discipline and compassion, navigating personal regrets while guiding his companions.

• elder rogers
• john rogers
• mentor
• experienced missionary
• leadership

Kyle Harrison is an American newcomer who approaches Dutch life with curiosity and openness. His genuine desire to learn about faith leads him to engage with the missionaries in discussions about the Book of Mormon and the First Vision. Kyle's journey culminates in his baptism, marking a significant turning point in his spiritual journey and integration with the Haarlem community.

• kyle harrison
• scott christopher
• conversion
• baptism
• first vision

The Dutch setting exposes missionaries and viewers to cultural differences, language gaps, and shared religious goals. The characters must adapt their approach, switching between Dutch and English materials while connecting with locals in parks and markets. Kyle's interactions exemplify how outsiders can grow through dialogue and mutual learning across cultural boundaries.

• cultural exchange
• dutch culture
• language barriers
• netherlands
• cultural differences

Tension primarily stems from conflict between Elder Johnson and Elder Van Pelt, which tests the entire group's dynamics and threatens teamwork. These disagreements sometimes escalate near the apartment, demonstrating how interpersonal conflicts can affect missionary work. Rogers' mentorship and Calhoun's attempts at mediation highlight the ongoing need for trust and reconciliation.

• friendship strain
• conflict
• elder johnson
• elder van pelt
• group dynamics

Faith deepens through direct exposure to local culture, language barriers, and personal growth among the missionaries. Calhoun's enthusiasm and the missionaries' discussions about belief drive Kyle to seriously engage with the Book of Mormon and ultimately consider baptism. President Sandburg's guidance reinforces values of humility, perseverance, and commitment to spiritual duties.

• growing faith
• spiritual journey
• book of mormon
• baptism
• president sandburg

Elder Steven Calhoun is the enthusiastic but linguistically unprepared new missionary from Utah. Despite language barriers, his optimism drives outreach efforts and helps forge connections with locals like Kyle. He gradually improves his Dutch and becomes a catalyst for meaningful interactions, illustrating the cooperative spirit of missionary work.

• elder calhoun
• steven calhoun
• utah
• new missionary
• optimism

President Sandburg serves as the mission president who balances discipline with encouragement. He provides guidance on spiritual duties, offers reprimands when rules are bent, and helps missionaries reflect on their commitments and progress. His leadership frames the growth arc for all four men throughout the film.

• president sandburg
• mission president
• leadership
• guidance
• discipline

Elder Steven Van Pelt is the steady, resilient roommate whose calm presence contrasts sharply with Johnson' volatile personality. He becomes entangled in the group's conflicts but demonstrates a willingness to engage constructively with fellow missionaries. His experiences highlight the importance of teamwork, non-violence, and open communication.

• elder van pelt
• steven van pelt
• steady
• resilience
• teamwork