A number of academics commented on the historical accuracy of The Death of Stalin. Historian Richard Overy noted in The Guardian that the film "is littered with historical errors", which can be "viewed as cinematic licence",[23] but was most critical that the film did not appropriately honor those who died during Stalin's leadership. Director Iannucci stated that he "chose to tone down real-life absurdity" to make the work more believable.[24]