The resolution of the film comes from George Bailey being shown that if he were never born, the lives of those around him would be drastically different and worse. Without him, the town of Bedford Falls would have fallen into a slum, called Pottersville, organized by Mr. Henry Potter, the main antagonist and greedy banker who plays foil to George throughout his life. Bailey fought for the good of his town since he was young which ends up blessing him at the end when each person George impacted donates money to save the family business. Would people still have the same generosity today in a selfish and disconnected world? What if he did not live in a close-knit town?

The breaking down of local communities is one of the major problems that contributes to America’s downfall today. I doubt that the plot would have the same impact if it were set in a smaller town in 2023. The film would lose its charm if George Bailey set up a GoFundMe and used emojis to convey his distress.

It’s a Wonderful Life is a beautiful film with complex characters that reaches down into viewers’ hearts and makes one reconsider what they are grateful for.