The Brisbane-born actor's first film as a writer/director hopes to serve both purposes.

La Petite Mort, aka The Little Death, is named after the French slang for orgasm, and is a frank and funny look at the role sexual fetishes play in relationships.

"The film looks at the damage that can be done when you choose dishonesty over honesty," the 33-year-old said.

"So in that way I do think it's going to spark a conversation about sex - I think it will spark better sex."

Lawson, known for his TV work on Sea Patrol and US political drama House of Lies as well as films Any Question for Ben? and Anchorman 2, said sex and nudity alone were almost passe.

Indeed The Little Death features much more conversation than copulation, as some couples work together to fulfil a specific desire, while others tell white lies because they're embarrassed or ashamed.

"I think a frank and candid explicit discussion can be far more shocking than a naked body, and that's what I wanted to explore in this film," Lawson said.

"The language of sex can be funny, it can be surprising and shocking and uncomfortable."

Lawson said another motivation was to service an Australian movie audience he believed wasn't being catered to.

"If you are an Australian who doesn't like Australian films, this is the film you should watch, because neither do I," he said.

"Most Australian films probably bang the "Aussie" drum too hard and make it not only less relatable to the rest of the world, but ironically not even relatable to Australians."

Lawson said it was a deliberate choice to place his characters in a middle class suburban street that could be anywhere.

"I don't think it should be un-Australian to look and sound stylish and smart," he said.

"We don't have to be this rough and rugged beer-swilling, sport-loving bogan ... they seem to be overwhelmingly represented in Australian film and I think it's time for a new chapter."

Lawson is delighted The Little Death has been released in time to be reviewed on At the Movies, which will wind up at the end of this year.

He described hosts Margaret Pomeranz and David Stratton as an Australian institution, but said only one will be able to cast their judgement on The Little Death.

"Margaret is not allowed to review it, because her son Josh Pomeranz is an executive producer on the film," he said.

"It's all over to David now … time will tell."

The Little Death is released nationally on September 25.